Time in gardens and other horticultural therapy decrease symptoms in patients suffering from those disorders, according to a 2010 study. This follows three other studies that found positive outcomes from spending time in wander gardens, outdoor environments, and horticultural therapy.
A hike in a natural environment offers similar benefits by also exposing seniors to greenery, the pleasant scents of flowers and tree sap, and birds whistling.
And there's a bonus: Facility nurses and caretakers also enjoy decreased stress and anxiety - not just from being exposed to nature themselves but by working with less stressed and anxious patients.
Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.
