Health
Simple Outdoor Habit Boosts Healthy Aging Benefits
Health Points
- Spending time outdoors daily supports longer, healthier lives
- Nature exposure may lower stress and risk of chronic disease
- Just 15 minutes outside can provide mental and physical benefits
Americans are living longer than ever, but as Dr. Eric Topol reminds us, the key to aging well isn’t just about more years—it’s about quality of life and staying healthy for as long as possible. Simple habits like regular exercise and nutritious eating have clear value, but there’s one free, daily ritual that can make a surprising difference for anyone hoping to boost their healthspan.
At 71, Dr. Topol says he’s in his best shape due to frequent strength workouts, increased fiber, better sleep—and most importantly, spending time outside every day. “I’ve always loved to be outdoors, but the data that shows how good being outdoors is for both mental and physical health,” he shares, highlights just how crucial nature is for aging well.
Research supports Topol’s advice. A 2019 study among working adults found that outdoor time—even just 15 or 20 minutes a day—is associated with less time sitting and a lower risk of chronic diseases. Another investigation from 2016 revealed that as little as half an hour outside each week in a green space lowered risks for high blood pressure and depression.
For aging adults, the benefits extend beyond just the physical. Staying indoors or becoming isolated can lead to anxiety or even dementia. As Topol points out, “As we get older, we tend to become a recluse, like we live in a cave.” Getting outdoors is one antidote to this increased risk of isolation. The added sunshine can brighten your mood and help with vitamin D levels, which decline as we age.
You don’t have to live near a park or forest to enjoy these benefits. Green space can mean your backyard, a city park, even a short walk in a leafy neighborhood. The effort counts more than the setting. One study involving nearly 20,000 adults in the UK found that just two hours a week in nature led to noticeably greater health and well-being.
Not sure how to get started? Try taking a stroll while listening to your favorite podcast, planning a picnic in a nearby park, or simply enjoying your lunch outdoors when the weather’s nice. Small steps like walking to do your errands or visiting an outdoor market can help you build the outdoor habit into your daily routine.
According to Dr. Topol, “Nature is really important as a lifestyle factor that mitigates the risk of age-related diseases. … The prescription is nature, that’s really something more physicians should be thinking about.” For anyone 40 and older looking for an easy and enjoyable way to invest in healthy aging, stepping outside might be a perfect place to start.
