If you want to get more than just exercise while you walk, walk in the green. A study done in the UK found that walking out of doors, and experiencing nature was more beneficial to mood that exercise taken in an indoor shopping mall. In fact, people walking in shopping centers reported a lower sense of self-esteem than those walking in outdoor, green areas.

The concept is called eco-therapy. The study found it enhances connections between people and nature and encourages social interaction and companionship. Your senses are more stimulated during a nature walk, the colors, scents and fresh air lift the mood. You escape the stress of modern life and relax and even just the exercise itself gives you a feeling of confidence and a sense of achievement.

Gardening, helping to clean up a park or just taking a nature walk are all outdoor activities that can boost your physical health and your mental health.

Read more about eco-therapy

The results of a study conducted at the University of Queensland, Australia show that for women in their 70s, the key to avoiding the pain and limitations of arthritis is to keep moving.

The study involed both middle-aged and older women. It was found that for older women, an hour of moderate physical exercise per week lessened chances of developing arthritis symptoms and that 2½ hours of physical activity is even more effective at keeping arthritis symptoms at bay.

These results were seen only in the older (72-79) group. Women in middle age (48-55) did not experience the same benefit.

Just Keep Moving, Ladies

According to a study of 947 adults aged 30 to 91, it was found that older adults preferred exercising with people in their own age group to working out with younger adults.

Exercising with peers increased with older adults’ interest in exercise itself, and exercising in groups of adults their own age was more appealing than exercising alone.

Working out has both physical and emotional benefits for all adults, but for older adults it is vital to stay healthy and mobile. Finding the appropriate group setting for regular exercise can help keep seniors motivated and moving.

The study appears in the April issue of Annals of Behavioral Science and was authored by Mark Beauchamp, Ph.D.

Practicing Tai Chi Chih, the Westernized version of Tai Chi, has been shown to boost immunity against shingles in older adults.

Over 50% of shingles cases occur in people over age 60. Shingles, a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, can be painul and in some cases, leave the suferer with a chronic pain condition known as PHN (post herpetic neuralgia).

A 25-week study conducted by UCLA showed that participants who practiced Tai Chi alone boosted their shingles immunity to the level of those who had received the shingles vaccine.

Tai Chi Chih consists of 19 movements and one pose. The movements are slow and gentle and can be adapted for persons with disabilities. It can even be done while sitting. Learning and practicing Tai Chi Chih does not require physical fitness.

Researchers believe that the results of the shingles study could have implications for boosting immunity in older adults when it comes to other infectious diseases, such as influenza.

Practicing Tai Chi Boosts Immune System in Older Adults