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As your parents get older, it’s not uncommon for them to feel a bit off—maybe it’s an achy knee, or they just don’t feel as lively as they used to. While these minor health issues may not require major medical intervention, they can affect your parents’ overall well-being. The good news? Sometimes, the simplest solutions make the biggest difference. One of those solutions is encouraging your elderly parents to get out of the house more often.
For NRIs living abroad, managing to get your parents to do this across the long-distance care can be challenging, but you can still have a positive impact by encouraging them as much as possible to stay active and socially engaged. Here are ten ways that stepping outside can improve your parents’ well-being, along with tips on how to nudge them in the right direction.
Stepping outside into fresh air and natural light can do wonders for your parents' mental well-being. Sunshine increases the production of serotonin, a mood booster, while nature itself has a calming, stress-reducing effect. For parents who feel down or anxious, simply spending time outside can significantly improve their mental state.
Tip: Encourage them to take a daily morning walk. If they enjoy technology, suggest using a step-counting app to keep track of their progress, giving them a small sense of achievement every day.
Getting out of the house is an easy way for elderly parents to add more physical activity into their routine, even if it’s as simple as walking around the neighbourhood. This movement helps to keep their joints flexible, improves cardiovascular health, and can alleviate minor aches that come from sitting or lying down for long periods.
Tip: Suggest short, scenic walks in local parks or community gardens. You can even coordinate with a local family member or a healthcare concierge service to accompany them if you’re worried about their mobility.
As people age, social circles tend to shrink, and this can lead to feelings of loneliness or social isolation. Getting outside for social activity—whether it’s meeting a neighbour for a chat or joining a local group—can help your parents stay connected and engaged.
Tip: Research local senior groups or community events. You can even sign them up for a local club from afar and arrange for a neighbour or friend to bring them along for the first time.
Spending time outside, especially in a new environment, stimulates the brain. New sights, sounds, and conversations can all contribute to keeping the mind sharp and may help delay cognitive decline. Fresh outdoor experiences engage their senses in ways that being indoors cannot.
Tip: Encourage them to explore new areas, even if it’s just a different route for their daily walk. Apps like Google Maps can help you suggest routes they might not have considered.
Vitamin D, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is crucial for maintaining bone health, boosting the immune system, and preventing chronic conditions like osteoporosis. As we age, our ability to synthesise vitamin D decreases, so getting a bit of sun can help keep your parents' bones strong.
Tip: Recommend sitting in the garden or on the terrace for 15–30 minutes daily. If they’re reluctant to leave the house, suggest taking their morning tea or reading a book outside to make it more appealing.
Being exposed to natural light during the day helps regulate the body’s internal clock, promoting better sleep at night. Many elderly people struggle with insomnia or irregular sleep patterns, and a simple trip outside could make a big difference in helping them rest well.
Tip: Suggest taking them out during daylight hours for walks, or better yet, get them involved in an outdoor activity like gardening that allows for light exposure in the morning or afternoon.
Minor health issues like joint pain, stiffness, or even indigestion can be alleviated by gentle movement and fresh air. Outdoor physical activities such as walking, stretching, or even yoga can help relieve these chronic, nagging conditions.
Tip: If they’re hesitant to exercise, suggest outdoor yoga or chair exercises. There are many YouTube videos that cater to seniors, and a healthcare concierge can help them follow along at their own pace.
A change in environment can often trigger a healthy appetite, especially when elderly parents start moving more. Getting outside, experiencing new smells, and engaging in light physical activity can encourage better eating habits, helping them maintain a balanced diet.
Tip: If they enjoy cooking, suggest a trip to the local market for fresh vegetables and fruits. The trip doubles as light exercise and offers them a chance to choose fresh ingredients, making meals more exciting.
Sometimes elderly parents simply miss the sense of purpose that comes with daily social interactions and responsibilities. Getting involved in community activities or even just having regular social interactions outside can bring back that sense of belonging and purpose.
Tip: Suggest they volunteer for a local cause or community group. Many areas have social activities geared toward seniors, from book clubs to community kitchens, and participating can give them a renewed sense of fulfillment.
Changing environments—even if it’s just stepping out into a garden or a nearby park—can provide mental stimulation that wards off boredom and restlessness. Different surroundings engage different senses, creating a sense of variety and novelty that’s good for mental health.
Tip: Help them create a list of places to visit in the local area. From temples to parks, even small trips can offer environmental stimulation. You can arrange a local driver or a healthcare concierge to take them on these outings if they need assistance.
Incorporating outdoor activities into your elderly parents' daily routine can have a multitude of benefits, from improving mood and cognitive function to alleviating minor aches and promoting better sleep. As an NRI, you might feel distant from their day-to-day lives, but with a bit of planning and the help of local resources, you can make a significant impact on their well-being.
So, encourage your parents to get outside, explore new places, and engage with their community. It might just be the key to keeping them feeling good, both physically and emotionally.
With a little creativity and support, you can help your parents enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities—even from thousands of miles away. Whether it's a simple walk, a trip to the local market, or a garden visit, these small outings can bring significant improvements to their overall health and happiness.
