OUTDOORS

6 WAYS SENIORS CAN BENEFIT FROM INTRODUCING CANNABIS + OUTDOOR RECREATION INTO THEIR LIFESTYLES

BY BEN OWENS

For seniors, outdoor recreation may seem intimidating. Luckily, enjoying the outdoors isn’t limited to activities for the young and physically fit. There are plenty of ways for seniors to get outside, and by doing so: enjoy nature, socialize with others, and lower your overall risk of death. 11, 3, 4

HOW CAN SENIORS BENEFIT FROM OUTDOOR RECREATION?

While studies have shown exposure to nature through windows and natural areas can have a positive effect upon well-being and recovery, outdoor recreation offers a variety of benefits that can only be experienced when you take that leap to go outdoors. 1,3,4,6,8,9 Sunlight is an infinite source of Vitamin D, often prescribed to adults as they age, especially seniors, who often have low levels of this vitamin. 5,6,8 Additionally, venturing outdoors can lend itself to diminished feelings of isolation by creating opportunities for social interactions with people of all ages and even animals. 2,3 Activities such as feeding ducks or bird watching require minimal physical exertion while offering precious interactions with other living beings. Spending time outdoors has been shown to lower anxiety, depression, and stress. Additionally, people who spend an hour in a natural environment have been shown to experience a 20% improvement in attention span and short-term memory. 3 Studies show time spent outdoors and in the presence of nature lowers our overall risk of death.

HOW CAN CANNABIS PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR RECREATION? Infused trail bars, other edibles, and even smokable cannabis products can be great in preparation for outdoor adventures. Thanks to their delayed onset, they gradually kick in once you’ve had some time to begin your activity. If you are prone to joint pain, for instance, you might not need immediate relief from the beginning of your walk, but halfway through, a gentle serving of THC could help relieve inflammation you’re feeling. Conversely, if you’re in need of an energy boost or already feeling some discomfort, a smokeable option could provide immediate effects with an uplifting, soothing kickstart. Cannabis products can be great during your recreation as well. Similar to taking advantage of a delayed onset with edibles, serving yourself appropriate amounts of cannabis during your activities can enhance smells, sights, and feelings of enjoyment. Cannabis can be incorporated during activities without needing to be consumed as well, including options like gardening and photography, where you’re tending to the plants rather than consuming them. After you’ve completed your recreation, cannabis can serve as a relaxing “dessert” to cap the activity off. Cannabis products can be used for recovery, such as infused topicals applied to aching areas; some products can be ingested orally or inhaled as a means of relaxing and cooling down. Or, it could simply be your reward for getting up and getting outside for an hour a day. As you participate in outdoor recreation more frequently, you’ll begin to titrate your cannabis regimen until it’s no longer a foreign aspect but as natural as taking a vitamin before heading out for your morning walk.

6 EASY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO GET YOU OUTSIDE

1. Go for a walk or hike.

2. Take a bike ride.

3. Go for a swim.

4. Spend time fishing.

5. Pick up gardening. 7

6. Enjoy birdwatching or photography.

No matter how mobile, active, or energetic you’re feeling, you can take advantage of the benefits of outdoor recreation at any age. 10 As a senior, it’s especially important to spend time outdoors as well as enjoying social interactions and natural environments. Encourage the elderly around you and in your family to join you on an outdoor adventure, whether it’s a long walk or simply a short jaunt around the farmer’s market.

YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE BENEFITS OF OUTDOOR RECREATION AT ANY AGE.

Citations: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262224648_Recreational_Activities_for_Senior_Citizens/ 1 Singh, Bhawana & Kiran, UV. (2014). Recreational Activities for Senior Citizens. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science. 19. 2279-837. 10.9790/0837-19472430. https://www.livestrong.com/article/493323-physical-social-emotional-intellectual-benefits-of-outdoor-recreation/ 2 Pashley, Tina. “Physical, Social, Emotional and Intellectual Benefits of Outdoor Recreation.” Livestrong.com. June 19, 2019. https://www.nathab.com/blog/the-outdoors-and-the-elderly/ 3 Andrews, Candice. “Seniors and the Outdoors.” Good Nature. September 11, 2018. https://seniorsafetyadvice.com/benefits-of-outdoor-activities-for-the-elderly/ 4 Kane, Esther. “Benefits Of Outdoor Activities For The Elderly.” Senior Safety Advice. https://landmarkseniorliving.com/benefits-of-the-outdoors-for-seniors/ 5 “THE BENEFITS OF THE OUTDOORS FOR SENIORS.” Landmark Senior Living. June 4, 2019. https://blog.trekology.com/2018/06/20/the-benefits-of-the-outdoors-for-seniors/ 6 “The Benefits Of The Outdoors For Seniors.” Trekology. September 2, 2018. https://www.cedarhurstliving.com/benefit-outdoor-activities-seniors/ 7 “Benefit of outdoor activities for seniors.” Cedarhurst Living. May 30, 2017. https://www.overlook-mass.org/2016/03/7-benefits-of-being-outdoors-for-seniors/ 8 “7 Benefits of Being Outdoors for Seniors.” The Overlook. March 7, 2016. https://eldercarealliance.org/blog/seniors-benefit-spending-time-outdoors/ 9. “Seniors Can Reap Benefits from Spending Time Outdoors.” Elder Care Alliance. February 1, 2017. https://www.elderindependence.com/10-outdoor-activities-perfect-for-seniors 10 Johnston, Lori. “Outdoor Activities Perfect for Seniors.” Elder Independence. May 7, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2566234/ 11 MaasJ, Verheij RA, Groenewegen PP, deVriesS, Spreeuwenberg P. Green space, urbanity, and health: howstrong istherelation?. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2006;60(7):587–592. doi:10.1136/jech.2005.043125