Despite the unusually warm weather and lack of winter snow, spring is officially in season. At Mountain Vista, this means spring activities are in full swing, and the festivities will begin to increase as we get closer to summer. As the hours of sunlight increase, the overall morale of everyone increases alongside it. Spring often brings opportunities to be outdoors, social outings, celebrations, and other fun activities.
Despite the lack of winter weather, residents are beginning to get back outdoors. I often see everyone walking outdoors or finding a good spot to catch the sun’s rays. Now, whether it’s to walk around and chat with each other or to find a nice spot to sit in the sun, everyone is getting up and moving around. It is not uncommon to see residents sitting out on various patios enjoying the sun, breeze, and fresh air. As you go out, you see more and more people exercising outdoors and staying active. The back patio will soon again become a popular hangout spot for residents and families, offering a great space to catch up with one another. Patio chats become a favorite activity during the Spring and Summer as it is an excellent time to encourage socialization, Vitamin D, and a breath of fresh air. Socialization plays an important role in mood regulation and stress management. When we increase our socialization, we are fulfilling the fundamental need for connection. This leads to an increase in positive moods and feelings of belonging, making us healthier. Beyond sitting outdoors with friends and family, there are a few other ways to spend time outdoors while maintaining your socialization. Outdoor classes, community gardening, and festivals all act as great opportunities to meet new people, engage in meaningful activities, and connect with others socially.
Vitamin D plays an important role in the body and can be produced through exposure to sunlight! With exposure to Vitamin D, you can help your body retain and absorb nutrients such as calcium, which are important to maintain our bones. As we become older, we are at increased risk for Vitamin D deficiency, which can result in osteoporosis and broken bones. Supporting our bones where we can is an important way to stay healthy. Additionally, Vitamin D plays an important role in mood regulation! Individuals with low vitamin D report increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. By catching sun rays, you can work to increase your overall mood.
Outdoor activities, such as sitting outside with friends and family, gardening, and sunbathing, are important to the well-being and overall happiness of older adults. Mood and emotion regulation impacts physical well-being and our overall well-being. These activities give individuals a chance to connect with hobbies they hold important and an opportunity to engage with others in a meaningful way. While sitting outside, chatting, and gardening may appear simple, they are relatively easy ways to check in with one another, create a sense of purpose, and work to increase our moods.
