How Nature Supports Healthy Aging

While out surfing one morning, Caroline Paul, an author and outdoor adventurer, noticed a lack of women her age in outdoor activities. This led her to explore the experiences of women who continue to explore the oceans, mountains, and other outdoor spaces as they age. In her book “Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking―How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age,” Paul reveals the five pillars of healthy aging based on her interviews with active older adults. These pillars include being part of a community, having a purpose, continuous learning, maintaining physical health, and having a positive view of aging. Spending time in nature, as these individuals did, is key to supporting healthy aging and challenging societal norms about aging. Paul emphasizes that outdoor activities don’t have to be extreme, and even simple activities like bird watching or swimming can have significant benefits. Overall, engaging in outdoor adventures can help individuals build confidence, challenge themselves, and feel more connected to the world around them, ultimately supporting healthy aging.