Retire with a View: The Psychology of Beautiful Surroundings

More than likely, you’ve rounded a corner or topped a hill and had your breath taken away by the view. Or sometimes there’s just a sense of peace when we’re out in nature and away from all the hustle and bustle. There’s even research on the pluses of being outside and why you should explore the great outdoors for the positive impact it can have on your health and well-being along with the psychology of beautiful surroundings.  

The Health Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors  

Here’s how nature can help improve your retirement well-being: 

• Boost in vitamin D: As little as 15 minutes of sunshine a day can increase your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is one of the essential nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy and can help improve your immunity, reduce inflammation and increase calcium absorption, leading to stronger, healthier bones. It’s also valuable for preventing feelings of depression and increasing positive emotions.  

• Reduced stress: Stress can cause insomnia, muscle aches, headaches, irritability and isolation. Being in nature can reduce your heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. 

• Reduced inflammation: Spending time outdoors can combat inflammation and the numerous medical conditions it causes such as arthritis, asthma, and IBD. 

• Boost your mood: In Japan there’s a practice called shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” where you simply take time to connect with nature. A 2019 study found that “forest bathing” resulted in significant positive effects on mental health. 

• Increased prosocial behavior: A University of California, Berkeley study found that spending time in nature can lead to an increase in prosocial behavior or “voluntary actions that are intended to help or benefit another individual or group of individuals.”  

• Improved memory: A University of Michigan study found that participants’ memory improved by as much as 20% after walking in nature.  

• Better sleep: Spending more time outdoors has been proven to help improve sleep patterns for many people.  

• Live longer: A study by the University of Anglia found that increasing the time you spend outdoors reduces the risk for Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and premature death. Additionally, older adults who spend time outdoors heal faster and get more exercise.

Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors 

Taking advantage of the great outdoors is vital to your physical and emotional health in retirement, and there are a number of activities to consider. Here are a few suggestions to help get you started. One is sure to be right for your fitness level:

• Gardening: Research has found that gardening is a great way to burn calories and increase flexibility. It’s also been shown to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, lower stress levels, and improve your immune system. 

• Hiking/walking: Going on regular hikes can help build stronger bones and muscles and improve heart health. Hiking can also improve your sense of balance, which can reduce your risk of falling.  

• Yoga: As the research above shows, being outside helps reduce your stress and boost your mood. By combining it with the relaxing practice of doing yoga in the great outdoors, or with a beautiful view, you’re sure to get added benefits. 

• Photography: Since everyone has a camera on their phone, it’s easier than ever to capture images of flowers, architecture, and more. Just follow your curiosity and see what you find.  

• Relaxing: Being outside can often be enough to enjoy some amazing health benefits. So, try to find ways to relax outdoors — go for a picnic, enjoy a meal outside, find a comfortable spot to read or sit in your favorite garden or by a fountain. 

Great Lifestyle. Even Better View. 

As the only senior living community with a waterfront view in southeastern Connecticut, we recognize the tremendous benefits of enjoying the outdoors. At Vista Point at Fairview, you’ll not only be close to all the things you love about the scenic Connecticut shoreline, but you can always return to our senior living with beautiful views to relax, play, and explore. Contact us to learn more and discover how you can reserve your more exciting future today.