In Tune With Nature: The Greener Side of Healthy Aging

“Our health demands a horizon,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson.“We are never tired, so long as we can see far enough.” There’s a ring of truth in that—not only in the joy and exhilaration to be found in nature, but in the surprising link between greener communities and lifelong well-being.

At The Mayflower in beautiful Winter Park, Florida, we’re grateful to live in a community that encourages its residents to actively support sustainability efforts. And as we celebrate Earth Month this April, there’s no better time to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and explore the research-backed benefits of spending time outdoors—especially as we age.

• Fresh Air and Fitness Go Hand in Hand. Walking and biking. Canoeing and hiking. Golfing, gardening, and fishing. It’s no surprise that getting out in nature encourages us to stay active and boost physical fitness. Plus as an added benefit, it’s a great way to increase your body’s intake of vitamin D, an essential nutrient for building strong bones.
• ‍Nature Keeps You Young. If you don’t "feel your age,” there’s a good chance your body doesn’t either. Researchers can measure the aging process on a cellular level by observing changes in DNA to determine a person’s “epigenetic,” or biological, age – which may not be the same as their chronological age.  One recent study found living in greener areas was associated with slower epigenetic aging, suggesting that nature may play a role in keeping the body healthier, longer.
• ‍Greener Communities Boost Cognition. Fresh air can be the perfect antidote to a distracted mind, and the list of researched-backed ties between nature and intellectual wellness, such as memory, focus, attention, creativity, and more, continues to grow. One survey of 61 million Medicare recipients also found that people living in greener communities were less likely to need care for illnesses like Parkinson’s and dementia.
• ‍It Feels Good to Get Outside. Here in Winter Park, whether you’re paddling along our waterways or people-watching on a park bench, spending any amount of time outdoors can help you de-stress, brighten your outlook, and cooperate more readily with others. And when you have a strong sense of connection with nature, the benefits persist even when you head back indoors.

When you live at The Mayflower at Winter Park, you’re surrounded by opportunities to enjoy Florida’s flora and fauna. Whether you’re birdwatching around our picturesque campus, going for a stroll or bike ride along Bridges Lake, or touring nearby Mead Botanical Garden, you’re never far from nature.

Send us a message or give us a call at (407) 672-1620 to request more information or schedule your personal tour. We look forward to hearing from you!