Saturday, August 13, 2016

Reason No. 46 to hike: Slow Alzheimer's

One in three seniors passes away while suffer from Alzheimer's or dementia, statistics shows. One good way to slow those neurological disorders is to connect with nature, through a hike.

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.