Nature Activities May Slow Aging
Gardening and Wildlife Watching for Mental and Physical Fitness
Jan 9, 2009
Could staying close to nature be the secret to keeping fit and sharp into later years? Experts emphasize the vital importance of maintaining fitness, relationships and lifelong learning as one ages, and a growing body of evidence shows that aging can be slowed (or made invisible) by active mental and physical exercise in challenging situations. Research has revealed time-honored hobbies like gardening and wildlife watching reap healthy and sometimes surprising rewards for elderly devotees, and the versatility and fascinating opportunities offered by each make them easy to incorporate into any lifestyle.
Gardening to Exercise Body and Soul
Gardening’s adaptability makes it an ideal pursuit for people of all fitness levels and living situations. Whether landscaping a yard, maintaining a vegetable plot or simply tending a small water or container garden on the patio or windowsill, the possibilities for participation are endless. It has long been touted as an ideal form of exercise because it improves strength, endurance and flexibility. The American Horticultural Therapy Association points out that gardening helps people recovering from physical illness retrain muscles, increase coordination and recover balance and vigor. And numerous studies have shown that simply connecting with nature can reduce stress, improve concentration, relieve depression, lower blood pressure and even fight cancer because avid gardeners eat more fruits and vegetables.
While the positive physical effects of gardening are fairly well known, its emotional healing powers and ability to spur mental activity and social interaction are oft overlooked by-products. Pulitzer Prize-winning conservation biologist Edward O. Wilson contends that humans have inherited a love of living things that must be nurtured in order to maintain harmony and balance in modern life, and gardening is certainly a perfect way to get a regular dose of nature. Not only does working with plants feed the need to connect with the natural world, but planning a garden is great mental stimulation as well. It allows for creative expression, requires learning about plants and techniques and encourages conversation with friends, family and other gardeners about the process.
Wildlife Watching for Meaningful Interaction
Wildlife watching may not always provide as much varied physical activity as gardening, but it affords similar emotional benefits as it allows enthusiasts to interact with nature in a meaningful way. Parks, nature reserves, waterways and camping areas are great places to observe birds, butterflies and native plants, and often have marked trails and educational programs for enthusiasts of all types. Hiking, canoeing or participating in guided tours are a good workout, provide a good dose of fresh air and sunshine and can often be a stimulating adventure. Engaging in wildlife watching with friends and family can spark spirited interactions about sightings and what has been learned during each trip.
It’s easy to bring creatures right into one’s own backyard or window as well by simply planting a wildlife, butterfly or wildflower garden at home. Researching and choosing specific plant species that will attract lots of critters can create a welcome haven for everyone to enjoy. Positioning feeders, houses and water in easily viewed places can add the excitement of daily visitors and even the drama of animal relationships and interactions to the household routine. Keeping a written or photo journal of the project and recording wildlife sightings is a great way to share experiences with others too.
Opportunities for Volunteerism
On top of all these wonderful qualities, gardening and wildlife hobbies are also excellent avenues for volunteerism, and a Cornell University study shows that volunteering can boost fitness and well-being, alleviate chronic pain and depression, and give participants a distinct sense of mastery over their lives. There are dozens of organizations that cater to specific gardening, wildlife, environmental and community topics where untold hours of satisfaction and camaraderie can be found.
Garden clubs, intergenerational or community gardening projects, clean-up efforts and scientific groups that further botanical, wildlife or environmental research depend on volunteers to further their cause. Just a few common activities include creating learning gardens, growing food for the needy, teaching children about gardening or wildlife, counting animal populations, removing trash from roadways and waterways or assisting professional scientists and conservationists with research.
There’s no doubt, gardening and wildlife watching are not only amazing methods for increasing health and wellness as one ages, but are a terrific way to connect with nature and each other. Fascinating, flexible and full of fun, these hobbies are winners for anyone’s lifestyle, and can be tailored to varied fitness levels and time constraints. And incorporating the exercise, social interaction and mental stimulation both hobbies provide into one's daily routine may contribute immensely to slowing the aging process. So don the gloves, grab the binoculars and start gathering all the beneficial gifts they have to offer. It will do everyone a world of good!
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