Connecting Seniors with Nature in Rhode Island
Spring is here! The days are getting longer, the sun is out more often, and many of us have gotten our COVID vaccinations or will soon be able to. The world is certainly looking brighter than it was a year ago.
For many people, the pandemic has shown that the simple act of going for a walk or observing nature can have a huge and positive effect on our mood and wellness. As winter fades away, we’re all looking forward to activities that keep our spirits high while staying safe at home or in the great outdoors. In today’s post we will take a look at some ideas for how seniors can connect more with nature wherever they are.
Bird Watching
Many people discovered the joy of bird watching (or “birding”) for the first time during the pandemic. Rhode Island is truly a bird watcher’s paradise, with places like the Norman Bird Sanctuary and five wildlife refuges.
Of course, you don’t need to leave home to appreciate birds! Pull out a pair of binoculars or set up a feeder close to your window, and you might be surprised at how fascinating it can be to spend some time just observing.
Walking Tours & Hikes
If your mobility is fairly good, you may like to join a walking tour or guided hike. Groups like the Westerly Land Trust are offering lots of free and low-cost options this spring, and creating safe events by requiring face masks and registration to ensure small group sizes. You can also find a long list of nature-related events at ProvGardener.com
Plants & Gardens
Gardening and growing houseplants have exploded in popularity over the past year. The act of caring for plants can give people a much-needed sense of routine and the pleasure of observing small changes each day. And gardening doesn’t just make your space nicer to look at – there is actually plenty of research that shows gardening has significant health benefits and that spending time gardening or in gardens is beneficial for people with dementia. Here’s a great list of tips for indoor gardening for seniors.
Nature Livestreams
If the ideas above aren’t accessible to you, there are lots of websites that offer nature- and animal-themed livestreams. One such site is Explore.org/livecams, where you’ll find live video feeds from animal rescues, bird feeders, coral reefs, farmyards, coastlines and more. Some include audio or have a soothing music track. Missing your favourite beach or just wondering what the weather’s like? Livebeaches.com has webcam feeds from dozens of coastal RI spots. If what you’re in the mood for is a good laugh, there are endless funny animal video compilations on YouTube.