Why Nature is Important to Older People and People with Dementia

Why Nature is Important to Older People and People with Dementia • So called ‘green’ nature or wilderness provides physiological benefits such as better sleep patterns, improved hormone balance, improvement in resting heart rate and diastolic blood... More

Why Nature is Important to Older People and People with Dementia • So called ‘green’ nature or wilderness provides physiological benefits such as better sleep patterns, improved hormone balance, improvement in resting heart rate and diastolic blood pressure. • Nature-based experiences were also found to be therapeutic, restorative or healing, contributing to the emotional, psychological and spiritual intangibles of well-being. Flowers in particular appear to stimulate emotions. • Physical presence of nature is emotionally restoring, and experiencing or viewing ‘natural’ landscapes is preferred over man-made parks. • Resting in a garden setting improves concentration, particularly for a weak or fragile person. Therapeutic benefits appear to be linked to a person’s sensitivity to the space and feelings arising as a result. • Exposure to natural light can positively affect the physiological systems in people with dementia resulting in improved sleep, mood and behaviour. • Framed with Less