Enjoying the outdoors can be a natural mood lifter while also delivering several physical health benefits including cardiovascular exercise and improved balance. Interacting with nature and sharing it with friends and loved ones can enhance our cognitive fitness as well.
Spending time outside provides a break from our usual routine which, in turn, can help us focus better and re-energize. As we increase our movements, we may also lower our stress levels and achieve a better quality of sleep – and possibly improve our immune systems.
Additional benefits of outdoor time for older adults
Take a look at the other advantages that nature can provide:
- Increased feelings of happiness
- Increased physical activity, social engagement and lower stress
- May increase longevity for seniors who walk almost two hours per week
- Memory and attention spans improved
- A lower risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental illness
Source: National Environmental Education Foundation
Outdoor activities for seniors to enjoy
There are so many ways you can enjoy nature and the advantages of the outdoors. Depending on your preferences, you might consider the following possibilities:
1. Take a walk
Walking is a perfect exercise and you can do it almost anywhere. And – you only need to have a sturdy pair of shoes. Enjoy the scenery, get your heart rate up and take advantage of the fresh air.
2. Sit outside and enjoy the view
Go to a park or sit outside wherever you may be and breathe, people-watch or just enjoy the view. Bring a book and take advantage of the quiet and change of scenery.
3. Work in the garden
If you’re a gardener or always wanted to try gardening, there are many benefits to getting your hands dirty. Growing vegetables, flowers, and herbs is empowering and provides a sense of accomplishment.
4. Become a bird watcher
Even if you thought you never had an interest in birds, give it a chance. You may be surprised at your delight. Find a place to watch and begin to identify the type of birds in the area.
5. Have a picnic
When the weather cooperates, there’s no better place to enjoy lunch or wine and cheese than outdoors. Choose a table in a park if you’d rather not sit on the ground.
6. Go fishing
There’s a reason many retirees look forward to fishing. There may not be another activity that is as relaxing or calming than sitting by the water and casting your line.
Download this complimentary guide, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
Enjoying the outdoors in the Wadsworth and Waukegan area
Appreciate the fresh air and nature sights at these parks and preserves:
- Waukegan Savanna Forest Preserve located in Waukegan, IL. Explore bird-watching, hiking trails, meandering streams and wetlands.
- Van Patten Woods located in Wadsworth, IL. The perfect location for outdoor learning, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing and cross-country skiing.
- Bowen Park located in Waukegan, IL. A beautiful historic wooded park for the young and old alike
- Clearview Park in Waukegan, IL. Perfect for all ages, including a fitness trail and splash pad.
- Illinois Beach State Park, located in Zion, IL. Easy access to walk the beach at Lake Michigan.
The Waukegan Park District also maintains 13 walking paths for residents. The trails and links to maps for directions can be found at Waukegan Trails.
- Arbor Park .26 miles paved
- Bevier Park .72 miles paved
- Bowen Park .8 miles paved
- Clearview Park .35 miles paved
- Corrine J Rose Park .75/.55 miles paved
- Country Lane Park .25 miles paved
- Henry Pfau Callahan Park .32 miles paved
- Hinkston Park .37 miles paved
- King Park .25 miles paved
- Park in the Glen .35 miles paved/gravel
- Roosevelt Park .69 miles paved
- Rudd Farm Park .57 miles paved/wood chips
- Serenity Park .36 miles paved/gravel
- Larson Nature Preserve Connects with the Robert McClory Bike Path
Golf courses in the Wadsworth and Waukegan area
For golfers, there may not be a better excuse to get outside then playing a round or two:
- Midlane Country Club, Wadsworth, IL. Enjoy this 18-hole course for players of all abilities. Includes practice facility, short game area and putting green. Plus, it’s adjacent to Galloway Senior Living.
- ThunderHawk Golf Club, Beach Park, IL. A Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course; it’s also recognized by the Audubon Society as a Signature Sanctuary Course.
- Bonnie Brook Golf Course in Waukegan, IL, designed in 1926 and owned by the Waukegan Park District.
- Bittersweet Golf Course, in Gurnee, IL. Scenic course with wetlands, wildflowers and a 100-year-old sage meadow.
- Brae Loch Golf Club, in Grayslake, IL. A fun but challenging course that’s ideal for the walking golfer, although carts are available.
Retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois
Galloway Senior Living, locally owned and operated, provides luxury and quality care for families in our community.
Assisted Living at Galloway Senior Living offers beautiful and contemporary private residences that range from alcove studios to two-bedrooms and include high-end stainless-steel appliances, maple hardwood cabinets, cultured marble countertops and thoughtfully curated décor and colors.
Our Memory Care community offers a family kitchen, dining room, walking garden, and lounge.
Our services include:
- 24-hour certified nursing assistants, on-staff licensed nurses, medication management, and on-site physician visits
- COVID-19 safety protocols
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Readily available safe transportation
- A fall-reduction program
- In-unit emergency response systems including an electronic monitoring system for exit doors
- On-site entertainment and activities personalized to reflect the residents’ preferences
- Housekeeping and linen services including personal laundry
Amenities you’ll find at Galloway Senior Living include:
- Country Café and Convenience Store
- Salon and Spa
- Theater with 85” television
- Activity and Craft Center
- Game Room
- Library and Business Center
- Fitness Center
If you or your family is considering retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois, we hope you will visit our community at Galloway Senior Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.
We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
