The benefits of walking and spending time in nature

Engaging in simple activities like walking and spending time in nature has been shown to provide significant health benefits for people with dementia. These activities don’t just improve physical health but also have a positive effect on mental well-being and cognitive function.

1. Physical benefits

Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. Regular physical activity is essential because it can:

• Improve cardiovascular health: walking helps maintain a healthy heart and circulation, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

• Strengthen muscles and joints: regular walking can help improve mobility and balance, reducing the risk of falls.

• Maintain a healthy weight: physical activity like walking can help manage weight and prevent obesity-related issues.

• Promote better sleep: many individuals with dementia struggle with sleep issues. Walking can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to more restful nights.

2. Mental and cognitive health benefits

Nature has a calming effect on the mind, which is particularly beneficial for people living with dementia. Spending time outdoors, surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and natural light, can have the following positive effects:

• Reduced anxiety and stress: the serene environment of nature helps alleviate agitation, anxiety, and stress. It creates a sense of peace, often leading to a more relaxed state of mind.

• Improved mood: being outside in nature, even for a short period, boosts serotonin levels, reducing symptoms of depression and enhancing overall mood. The gentle movement of walking combined with a natural environment has an uplifting effect.

• Increased cognitive stimulation: nature offers plenty of stimuli—birds chirping, leaves rustling, the sound of a flowing stream. These stimuli help engage different parts of the brain, encouraging mental activity and improving cognitive function.

• Boosted memory recall: nature often triggers old memories, especially if the person spent time outdoors in their earlier life. Walking in familiar environments like parks or gardens can encourage memory recall, providing moments of clarity and connection.

3. Social interaction and connection

Walking can also serve as a social activity, providing opportunities for connection with others:

• Strengthening relationships: caregivers, family members, or friends can accompany people with dementia on walks. This shared activity encourages conversation and quality time together, helping to strengthen emotional bonds.

• Engagement with the community: walking through parks, local neighbourhoods, or community gardens allows individuals to feel a part of their surroundings. These environments often promote spontaneous interactions with others, which can combat loneliness and isolation.

4. Sensory stimulation and relaxation

Nature engages all the senses, providing sensory stimulation that is both soothing and invigorating:

• Visual beauty: the changing seasons, vibrant flowers, or trees offer visual experiences. These natural scenes can evoke feelings of joy, comfort, and fascination.

• Sounds of nature: the sound of birds singing or leaves rustling in the wind provides gentle auditory stimulation. These sounds are often calming and help reduce confusion or agitation.

• Aromas of the outdoors: the scent of flowers, pine trees, or freshly cut grass can evoke memories and provide comfort.

5. Encouraging a routine

Incorporating regular walks and time in nature into the daily routine of someone you care for is a great way to create structure:

• Consistency is comforting: a daily walk in a familiar environment, like a park or garden, helps establish a comforting routine. People with dementia often feel more secure when their days are predictable, and walking can provide a stable anchor in their schedule.

• Maintaining independence: walking outdoors can be an empowering activity. Whether done with a caregiver or independently in a safe, familiar environment, it fosters a sense of freedom and autonomy, which can be greatly beneficial for someone whose world might otherwise feel constrained.

Walking and spending time in nature offer a holistic approach to improving the well-being of those living with dementia. Whether it's a gentle stroll through a park or simply sitting on a bench listening to the birds, these activities provide physical, mental, and emotional benefits that can improve quality of life. For caregivers, incorporating outdoor time into the daily routine of someone with dementia is an invaluable tool that promotes health, happiness, and connection.

Sources: Alzheimer’s Society, NHS, Dementia UK