Outdoor-loving Community
Active adults are more outdoor-focused than ever before.
From hiking and biking to nearby waterways for kayaking, communities are bringing nature to residents.
When exploring a property, consider green space as well access to nearby parks and beaches. Outdoor living space is becoming a must-have.
Look for gardens & gathering areas, and for safe places to read & relax.
What
Well-being & Fitness
Well-being & Fitness
Well-being & Fitness
Hiking, biking, golf course, racket sports, outdoor yoga & pilates.
Water Features
Well-being & Fitness
Well-being & Fitness
Pond, waterfall, flowing waterway.
Quiet Activities
Quiet Activities
Quiet Activities
Bird-watching, landscaped pathways.
Outdoor Living
Quiet Activities
Quiet Activities
Open-air space to read, relax & visit.
Why
Outdoor-loving communities are more commonly found in Active Adult Living, as those communities focus on mobile (and traditionally younger) residents. Nonetheless, certain care-based properties offer exceptional outdoor amenities.
Benefits
The medical community agrees that outdoor activities improve health and well being of boomers. As reported by Community Home Health Care of NY:
- Boosts vitamin D levels
- Boosts immunity
- Makes you feel more energized
- Faster recovery from injury
- Improves focus
Checklist
The Gerontologist published the following survey for Outdoor Environments:
Abundant Greenery
- Diverse mix of plants and trees
- Abundant flowers and color
- Easily reachable or raised plants
- Hard boundaries screened by plants
- Seating has pleasant views
- Water features available
- Features with movement
- Amenities for pets
- Amenities for birds and wildlife
- Can see domesticated animals
- Outdoors fairly quiet
- Privacy from resident rooms
- Private places to sit
Comfort & Safety
- Plenty of seating available
- Choice of different seating types
- Some seating easily movable
- Seats available in sun or shade
- Seats will not tip over
- Seating has arms and backs
- Seats comfortably shaped
- Seats do not get hot or cold
- Seats with cushions
- Swing, glider, rocking chairs
- Tables for coffee, food, etc.
- Restroom, drinking fountain
- Microclimate control
- Smoking areas well separated
- Outdoor area well maintained
Exercise
- Abundant walkways of different lengths
- Round trip walkways available
- Paving level, easy for wheelchairs
- Paving nonskid and non-glare
- Handrails along some walkways
- Walkways partly shaded
- Interesting views from walkways
- Frequent seating along walkways
- Some walkway seating in shade
- Destinations to walk toward
- Places for social activities
- Places for recreation and exercise
- Play areas for children
- Place for gardening, horticultural therapy
Indoor–outdoor Connection
- Easily reached from indoor commons
- Visible from main indoor areas
- Indoor transition space near doorway
- Outdoor transition space near doorway
- Multiple ways to reach outdoor area
- Doors unlocked during daytime
- Doors open with little effort
- Doors do not close too quickly
- Automatic door available, easy to use
- Can easily cross door threshold
- Wide paved landing outside doorway
Connection to the world
- Area is located near main entry
- View of vehicles arriving at facility
- Views of front-door activities
- Views of off-site scenery
- Views of nearby streets or traffic
- Views of off-site buildings, activities