The Outdoors Prescription: Why Nature Matters for Older Adults

In Michigan, a quiet but powerful program is changing lives and proving the benefits of nature for older adults — not with pills or procedures, but with something much simpler: time outside. It starts with a walk. Maybe through a wooded trail, maybe just around the block. For older adults enrolled in the program, the outdoors isn’t just a backdrop — it’s part of the treatment. And while not everyone has access to a structured initiative like this, the idea behind it is universal: nature is medicine.

Why Nature Still Matters — Especially as We Get Older

We know that being outside feels good. But for older adults, it may be one of the most overlooked tools for supporting healthy aging — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Sunlight helps regulate sleep cycles and boosts vitamin D. Natural light and fresh air have been shown to lift mood, ease anxiety, and improve focus. Just seeing green space can lower blood pressure and calm the nervous system.

And beyond the science, there’s the feeling. The shift in air, the warmth of the sun, the rustle of trees — they remind us we’re part of something larger. That connection matters. Especially when aging can sometimes feel like the world is getting smaller.

This isn’t just a pleasant idea — it’s a growing area of integrative care being embraced by doctors across the country. Dr. Brent A. Bauer, Research Director of Integrative Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, puts it simply:

“More than half of my patients who receive a ‘prescription’ for time in nature go ahead and do so successfully.”

The Cost of Staying Indoors

It’s easy to stay inside — especially if you’re managing mobility issues or simply feeling unmotivated. But the risks of being cooped up for long stretches are real. Inactivity can lead to joint stiffness, muscle loss, and increased risk of falls. Isolation can contribute to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

The antidote doesn’t need to be dramatic. Just stepping outside for a few minutes can act like a reset — mentally, physically, emotionally.

“Do I Have to Be Active for It to Count?”

Not at all. While physical movement offers added benefits, you don’t have to power-walk through the park to gain something from being outside. Sitting on a bench, sipping coffee on a patio, or listening to the birds in your backyard all offer meaningful health effects.

Studies have shown that even passive exposure to nature — like watching trees sway or feeling the breeze — can lower stress hormones and promote a sense of peace.

How Much Nature Do We Need?

Research published in Nature found that spending just 120 minutes per week in nature — that’s about 20 minutes a day — is enough to see noticeable health benefits. The time doesn’t have to be all at once. It adds up.

Barriers to the Outdoors — and How to Overcome Them

For many older adults, the challenge isn’t knowing nature is good for them — it’s figuring out how to access it.

Common obstacles include:

• Fear of falling or injury

• Limited mobility or lack of transportation

• Poor sidewalk conditions or inaccessible parks

• Safety concerns

• Inclement weather

But small solutions can go a long way:

• Family members can offer support or companionship on short walks

• Senior centers can design outdoor-friendly programs

• Cities can add benches, shade, and smoother walking surfaces

• Devices like walking poles or personal alert systems can help provide peace of mind

As Dr. Melissa Lem, a Canadian physician and leader of the country’s PaRx nature prescription program, notes:

“A doctor prescribing nature time in Regent Park is different from a doctor prescribing nature in Kitsilano, so we have to definitely be aware of our patient’s strengths and abilities, and also the communities we live in.”

Forest Bathing and the Global Movement for Nature-Based Healing

In Japan, the concept of shinrin-yoku — or “forest bathing” — has been embraced as a public health practice for decades. The idea is to immerse yourself in a forest environment, not for exercise, but to engage the senses. The sound of leaves, the scent of pine, the rhythm of your breath — these subtle experiences can lower stress, boost the immune system, and offer deep relaxation.

Forest bathing has inspired a broader global movement — one that sees nature not just as scenery, but as part of the healing process.

More physicians are beginning to treat green time the way they do medications — with intention and purpose. In some cases, literally writing outdoor activity into treatment plans for chronic stress, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

The Takeaway: Nature as Medicine

You don’t need a prescription to start. You don’t need to hike a mountain or travel to a national park. Sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is step outside your front door, take a deep breath, and just be.

Whether you’re an older adult yourself or caring for someone who is, consider time in nature a daily dose of wellness. It’s not a cure-all — but it’s a powerful, often overlooked part of the bigger health picture.

Because sometimes the best medicine doesn’t come in a bottle — it comes on the breeze.