THE BENEFITS OF FRESH AIR FOR THE ELDERLY

“You can’t change who you are, but you can change what you have in your head, you can refresh what you’re thinking about, you can put some fresh air in your brain.”

– Ernesto Bertarelli

One of the cheaper health benefits out there is fresh air. You can’t buy it in a store (yet), but you can get it for free. It has been known for ages and its resource is quite abundant.

Here are some mood and health benefits, specifically for the elderly:

Mood Benefits

The outdoors can change anyone’s mood. But it isn’t only about perception; stepping outside and taking it in, can cause physical changes in your brain.

According to Dr. Valerie Gladwell, “Walking outside releases endorphins and hormones that promote better mood such as oxytocin, the feel good hormone.”

Another neurotransmitter, effected by fresh air, is serotonin, which can help you feel happier and provide a sense of well-being.

So, next time that you’re looking for a positivity boost, you guessed it – step outside.

Health Benefits

There are many health benefits to getting more fresh air. These range from boosting your immune system and digestive system, to improving your blood pressure and heart rate, to detoxification and speeding up healing.

Another major benefit is the ability of fresh air to cleanse your lungs. This is especially important, since “increased age is accompanied by a progressive decline in lung functioning [1].”

If this list is important to you, better health may just be on the other side of the door.

How has fresh air impacted your mood and health?

Please share in the comments below.

[1] Kelly, F. J., C. Dunster, and Ian Mudway. “Air pollution and the elderly: oxidant/antioxidant issues worth consideration.” European Respiratory Journal 21, no. 40 suppl (2003): 70s-75s.