For Earth Day 2026, we’re highlighting the restorative and therapeutic benefits of simply spending time in the great outdoors. You may not be spending as much time in nature as you’d want due to increased time spent online, unpleasant weather, or mobility issues. But the benefits are well worth the effort.
Getting outside and getting moving can have numerous benefits for your physical and mental health. In fact, researchers at the National Institute on Aging have found that you can dramatically lower your risk of chronic disease and early death simply by increasing the number of steps you take per day.
Time Outdoors Can Also Help With…
Body & Brain Health
Researchers have found that something as simple as a 30-minute visit to a park can improve heart health, circulation and lower cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Walking in nature can also reduce inflammation and boost your immune system, which decreases the risk of certain diseases and cancers. In addition, time spent in green spaces often leads to more opportunities for social interactions, which is vital to healthy aging and can lower your risk for neurological diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease..
Spending time outdoors also improves brain health. Studies have found that being exposed to natural environments improves memory recall, cognitive flexibility, and attention span.
Strength & Productivity
Exercising in nature leads to greater health benefits than performing the same activity indoors. Individuals are more likely to repeat being physically active when the exercise is performed in a natural environment. The mental restoration achieved from spending time in nature can improve performance on tasks in school and at work.
Mood & Well-being
Even brief contact with nature is associated with increases in happiness, positive social interactions, and a deepened sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as decreases in mental distress. Frequent exposure to nature reduces anxiety and depression, while promoting a sense of well-being and fulfillment.
Outdoor Activities for Older Adults
Growing older is often associated with decreased mobility, bringing issues with walking, standing, or joint pain. While this can be frustrating and present challenges, limited mobility doesn’t have to make you homebound. With proper precautions, people experiencing limited mobility can still engage in physical activity and fully enjoy and reap the benefits of spending time outdoors.
Here are a few outdoor activities that medical professionals recommend for older adults:
- Nature walks are a fun and healthy way to stay physically active, including for those who use mobility aids such as a wheelchair. Just be sure to walk along paved paths to lower the risk of falls, or look to see if there are nature trails that accommodate mobility aids, so you can walk at your own pace.
- Bird watching is an engaging activity that helps you connect with nature. You can explore parks or forests known for particular types of birds. You can even place a bird feeder or bird bath in your own backyard which gives you an accessible and easy way to bird watch.
- Gardening is an enjoyable way to be active and connect with the natural world. Not only does gardening reduce stress, but it is also a great way to stay active and get some fresh air. Potting plants, watering flowers, or tending to vegetables can all provide plenty of exercise.
- Visiting a nearby park is an excellent way to get some fresh air. Local parks offer many opportunities for staying active, spending time with friends and family, and connecting with your community. Some ideas for ways to spend time at the park include:
- Board games and card games: Many games are easy to transport to the park and play at the picnic tables. This is a fun activity to do with loved ones or a way to connect with others.
- Picnics: Packing a delicious spread of food to enjoy with friends and family is a wonderful way to spend time and nourish your body.
- Reading: Bring a good book to enjoy. Consider starting a book club for even more opportunities to socialize.
- Community events and activities: Many parks also offer community activities and events including outdoor concerts, outdoor yoga, tai chi classes, and more.
- Adaptive sports programs: Depending on your location, your local community may have sports programs or teams that are accessible to people with disabilities or limited mobility. These programs can help improve physical fitness, provide a sense of community, and often include equipment and resources that make it more accessible.
- Fishing: Some parks may have the opportunity to fish. Sitting by the water with a beautiful view can be very therapeutic.
- Outdoor low-impact exercise is a great way to sneak in extra fresh air. These exercises can also help improve balance and coordination. Some options for low-impact exercises that can be done outside are yoga, walking, or bike riding.
- Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise, especially for those with limited mobility. In addition to swimming, water aerobics is another way to exercise in the pool.
- Outdoor memory cafés and therapeutic horticulture sessions may be available for people living with Alzheimer’s or another related dementia. For example, Chicago Botanic Garden’s memory café program runs through October 29, 2026.
Always Remember Safety
Safety is very important to keep in mind when spending time outdoors. If you’re going out alone, let someone else know where you’ll be and when you plan to be back. Bring an ID with emergency contact information and a cellphone with you. Always be sure to stay alert and dress to be seen, especially at night. Check the weather forecast before going outdoors, and dress appropriately, never forgetting sturdy, supportive shoes. If you are expecting high temperatures, especially while exercising, be sure to apply sunscreen and hydrate properly.
“Getting healthy” can feel like an overwhelming task. But getting outside and getting moving are not only incredibly beneficial for your well-being, they’re simply fun. Spending time in nature, however that may look for you, will always help connect you to the beauty of the world and the people around you. For that, it’s worth taking the step.
Sources: National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging, American Psychological Association, United States National Park Service, Oak Street Health
