According to University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine, walking outdoors provides physical and emotional benefits to older adults. The opposite is also true: lack of outdoor walking is not only a sign of frailty but also an indication of social isolation, decline in mobility, and reduced health-related quality of life.

Medical scientists on both sides of the border agree that physical activity provides noticeable health benefits in older adults. In fact, research proved that seniors who spent more than 30 minutes in physical or outdoor activities had fewer depressive symptoms, fear of falling, and social anxiety.

For London and St. Thomas’s climate, here are my suggestions for sensible summer activities. These options allow you to go outside, socialize and engage in light exercise. Please choose the ones that fit your individual preferences and health conditions.

1. Walks

• Maintain cardio through long hikes or short walks.
• Offers fresh air and environmental appreciation.

2. Bird Watching

• Calms the mind and allows for reflection.
• Encourages connections to nature that are soothing and therapeutic.

3. Gardening

• Maintains strength and flexibility.
• Provides light aerobic activity.
• Easily incorporated into daily routines.

4. Outdoor Events

• Allows for enjoyment of scenery and sounds — like craft shows.

5. Fruit Picking

• Provides fresh air, light exercise, and healthy snacks, especially from local farms.

6. Picnic

• Delivers exposure to Vitamin D, fresh air, and enjoyable conversation.
• Can include elaborate meals or simple sandwiches.
• May incorporate picnic games.

7. Photography

• Captures memories.
• Delivers immediate and future enjoyment.

Seniors with neurological illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s can also benefit from outdoor activities. These include chair exercises and short walks, music and singalongs, drives and visits to garage sales and thrift stores, and shucking corn or shelling peas.

Whether you do them solo or with someone else, outdoor activities will help you feel better.

By Peter Yurek, BSc.Phm.