The Benefits of Nearby Nature for Elderly Apartment Residents

The results indicate that elderly adults consider access to nature near their homes to be very important and are involved with various “nature compensations”—indoor activities, such as growing houseplants or watching nature programs on television, which might substitute for more strenuous outdoor activities.

Abstract

Few studies have examined the potential value of nearby nature for elderly adults. In the current study, elderly residents of two apartment complexes were interviewed about the availability of and the importance of different nearby natural settings. They were also asked how involved they were with various "nature compensations"--indoor activities, such as growing houseplants or watching nature programs on television, which might substitute for more strenuous outdoor activities. The results indicate that elderly adults consider access to nature near their homes to be very important. Nature compensations were frequently pursued but did not affect satisfactions. Satisfaction levels were significantly higher among residents whose apartments overlooked natural settings, and among those who lived closer to certain kinds of outdoor settings.