Sunshine and Senior Care: The Health Benefits of the Summer Sun

Close your eyes and picture your ideal summer day.

Are you outside? Do you hear birds chirping? Is your hair blowing in the breeze? Do you feel the warmth of the sun beaming on your face while your eyes are protected by your favorite pair of sunglasses or sun hat? Did you just take a refreshing sip of water or lemonade while sitting in your favorite porch chair?

Those are the sights, smells and feelings of summer. While a perfect summer day does a whole lot of good for the heart and spirit, spending time in the summer sun and getting fresh air also has incredible benefits for senior care. What reads like a simple day, spending some time outside can make a big difference in senior care, especially for the social, emotional, mental and physical health and well-being for seniors.

According to Psychology Today about the benefits of sunshine, studies show that spending more time in the sun improves heart health, supports the immune system and can regulate mood by increasing serotonin levels.

“It’s more than just a change of scenery, we have seen the impact sunshine and fresh air can have for senior care,” described Carol Ditman, Senior Executive Director of Programming at Ecumenical Retirement Community. “No matter the type of day a resident is having, a walk or even just sitting on the porch might just be the type of reset a resident needs to turn the day around.”

Being mindful of safety concerns when planning time outside is also critical when managing senior care. For example, when precautions like sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, hydration and other health and safety tips are considered, that ideal summer day can be achieved and result in other benefits such as:

Better sleep

Nature helps regulate the body’s internal clock. Exposure to sunlight, especially in the morning, can help seniors later in the day and result in a more restful night sleep.

Improved breathing

The oxygen-rich air helps clear the lungs when circulating the fresh air. Even with the most highly purified air, air-conditioned, indoor environments are often dry and recycled air.

More energy

When the lungs are breathing in the fresh air, seniors also often find they have more energy to do activities that bring them joy such as gardening and walking. These activities lead to improved circulation and increased balance.

Lower stress

The simple pleasures of the outside – like the birds chirping – have a calming effect. These times of relaxation and reflection allow the senior to focus on what is bringing them peace, maybe even allowing individuals to forget, even if just for a minute, the diagnosis they are facing or other hard aspects to aging they may be experiencing.

The impact of nature and sunshine on senior care can also be therapeutic for those living with dementia or other forms of memory loss. In addition to the benefits listed above, time in nature can also prompt reminiscing when seniors reflect on past hobbies, careers or even summer vacation memories. It also can reduce sun-downing, or late-day confusion and restlessness, and increase engagement with caregivers, family and fellow residents.

“It is in seemingly simple outdoor activities that our residents experience peace and joy – something the residents may not have felt in a long time and their families may not have thought was possible anymore.” said Joel Kroft, Executive Director of Memory Support Services. “That is why our Signature Programming encourages residents to flex their green thumbs with gardening activities and utilizes the outdoor spaces all around the campus.”

Fun in the Sun in Harrisburg, Pa.

Between the safe walking paths, beautiful gardens and shaded gazabo, there are many spots on our Ecumenical Retirement Community campus that welcome our residents and their families. They get to experience first-hand how nature’s simple pleasures promote health, healing and happiness in a senior care community in Harrisburg. To learn more and schedule a personalized visit or to speak with an expert advisor.