What was the Nature-Based Demonstration Project?
Supported by funding from the Levante Foundation, OACAO’s carried out its first nature-based demonstration project, “Nature-Based Programs to Enhance the Quality of Life of Older Adults.” This project ran over a one-year period, from September 2023 to September 2024.
Intended to illustrate the benefits of nature-based programming on holistic well-being, the nature-based demonstration project included a mix of 10 new and revitalized nature-based programs from various regions in Ontario (north-south; urban-rural):
- 55+ Centres, City of Barrie (55+ Parks Tours)
- Active 55+, Sault Ste Marie (Silver Paddle Society)
- Active Adult Centre, Mississauga (Seasons in the Garden)
- City of Cambridge (Guided Forest Walks of Discovery)
- LA CENTRE for Active Seniors, Toronto (Doug Saunders Gardening Club (DSGC)
- Life After Fifty, Windsor (Never Stop Exploring – An Outdoor Nature Program)
- Rendez-vous des aines francophone d’Ottawa (RAFO) (A la decouverte de la nature et ses bienfaits pour lespersonnes ainees) (Discovering Nature and the Benefits for Seniors)
- The Glebe Centre, Ottawa (Abbotsford Seniors’ Centre Butterfly Release and Nature Walk)
- University Settlement, Toronto (Nature Within Reach)
- Upper Ottawa Valley Seniors Friendship Club (Deep River) (Woodsy Wednesday Walks)
What are the Benefits of Nature-Based Programs?
How do you feel after a hike in the woods? A walk by a lake? Working in your garden? Riding your bike with friends at a park?
Nature prescribing, one pathway related to social prescribing, recognizes the physical, emotional and mental benefits of connecting with nature. Just seeing nature doesn’t seem to make the difference that fully immersing oneself in nature does. It is the physical activity that is thought to be the key factor that results in health benefits.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes nature as “our greatest source of health and wellbeing.”
What are some of the benefits of being in nature? Scientific evidence suggests the following benefits:
- Reduced risk of chronic disease
- Reduced blood pressure
- Increased feelings of wellbeing and social inclusion
- Reduction in stress, anxiety, depression
- A boost in one’s immune system
What is the recommended nature ‘dose’?
- 2 hours/week, 20 minutes at a time
- Evidence suggests that the most efficient drop in cortisol (stress hormone) levels take place between 20-30 minutes
What Were the Project Outcomes?
After a year, the success of the 10 demonstration projects was promising. They clearly demonstrated the positive impact of nature-based activities on older adults and provided the centres with important feedback about the interests and preferences of older adults when it comes to nature-based activities.
By the numbers:
- 10 nature-based projects
- 1,054 older adults participated in activities
- 128 volunteers supported activities
- 25 partnerships contributed to the project
Emerging themes:
- Greater appreciation for and connection to nature
- Importance of socializing and building relationships with peers
- Health and well-being benefits of engaging in nature
- Reduction in social isolation and loneliness
“I feel lighter and happier after these walks.”
“The garden gave me another reason to get up in the morning to water my plants.”
“Loved walking through all the gardens, especially the blooming rhododendrons and meeting new friends.”
Final Report
Check out the Final Report (October 2024) to learn more about the promise and potential of implementing nature-based programs!
Interested in Learning More?
Google Drive – Nature-Based Program resource materials
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DNswPK2LI-PBrr8jvmupjJG3D8EVUi-d?usp=sharing
Webinar Recording – Health and Well-Being Benefits of Nature: Green Prescribing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DEpZ3QY8EFFfM4GuABB_410uIIx79JCM/view?usp=sharing
Final Project Report – Nature-Based Programs to Enhance the Quality of Life of Older Adults (October 2024)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qnodufZ1K9iKE32zHuljc5IO2rKlQFbt/view?usp=sharing
Questions? Submit them by email to info@oacao.org with Subject Line: Nature-Based Programs Question, or by phone, call Toll free 1-866-835-7693, local: 905-584-8125
