A landscape architect explains why safe and accessible outdoor environments are important for all ages Universal design, within homes and community buildings, is on the top of many ‘to do’ lists. Unfortunately, the implementation of universal design principles in outdoor environments is slower to gain acceptance. Yet at the same time, an increased focus on maintaining access to nature has given rise to a need to strengthen our indoor/outdoor connections. It has been proven that our interactions with the natural world improve health, increase physical strength, boost mental alertness, and encourage socialization. Simply put, outdoor environments with universal accessibility offer an improvement in quality of life for everyone, especially older adults. Research has shown that a view of nature helps us to recover quicker from illness; that there is a natural absorption of bone-strengthening Vitamin D from sunlight; that blood pressure and stress levels drop simply by viewing the outside world. In a more intuitive way, we know that people generally feel better after they have taken a walk in the park, experienced the vibrant colors of a sunset, or picked an arrangement of wildflowers. Maintaining our connection to the natural world around us is essential to who and what we are as inhabitants of this planet; therefore, providing access to outdoor environments for seniors is a basic necessity of a balanced lifestyle. Thoughtful design considerations are key in creating outdoor settings for senior communities. The need for shade, comfortable seating, appropriate walking surfaces, and minimally sloped walks are just a few of the elements that allow a person to move about safely in the outdoor landscape. The ability of an older adult to be able to move easily from one place to another is the foundation of the outdoor environment’s design. We all want to be able to decide in which direction to go, how we would like to get there, and the opportunity to do this effortlessly: Maintaining this independence is extremely important for older adults. Easy in, easy out Physical access to the outdoors is the first step to eliminating obstacles. Many homes and/or buildings prohibit outside access because of steps or changes in grade that limit unfettered movement. Eliminating the steps to a front door and/or porch is one of the first places to begin. A ramp that is minimally sloped (2 to 3 percent) and connected to the door makes it easy for a person to move in and out freely. Other universal design considerations include—but are not limited to—a landing in front of the door, a ledge to hold a packages, easy-to-use handrails, sufficient area lighting, and a wide, level walkway. Appropriate landscaping that allows a person to see their way clearly can also provide a secure and comfortable feeling. The value of a good garden Gardening is America’s favorite hobby, and elders are no different in wanting to enjoy time in their yard. Either a porch or deck can prove very beneficial in allowing older adults to transition from inside to out. A porch also offers shelter in case of inclement weather, giving a senior much-needed time to move indoors if it starts to rain or the heat becomes too intense. An elder’s eyes can take up to approximately 8 minutes to adjust to the brightness of the outdoors; an overhang can give them an opportunity to pause and adapt to sunlight. Raised planters help older adults garden by providing convenient opportunities to get their hands in the soil at a variety of heights. Stable, comfortable, and attractive outdoor furniture encourages elders to simply sit and enjoy nature. The seat of a chair should be 18 to 19 inches high and have sturdy arms to provide support for getting in or out. Furniture should be movable, allowing for a variety of inviting areas to socialize. Safety first Moving from the yard to the surrounding neighborhood should also be a simple transition. Sidewalks should be a minimum of five feet wide and have smooth, level walking surfaces to provide easy access. Street trees that provide ample shade are important so that heat from the sun does not become excessive. Glare can also be reduced by coloring or tinting the concrete pavement surface. Maintaining plantings adjacent to the sidewalk is important so the walkway does not become overgrown and unsafe. Low hanging branches from street trees, shrubs that grow over the walks, and leaves on the pavement can make for hazardous conditions as well. Not only is it important to provide a safe physical environment, but also one that is psychologically safe. Perceiving that the neighborhood is walkable goes a long way in increasing willingness to participate fully in the outdoor environment. When outdoor environments are created applying the principles of universal design, everyone enjoys them the same way. There are no differences due to age or abilities, and nothing screams “disabled adult.” Aesthetics, access and design are all interwoven, and everyone feels welcome. Eliminating obstacles will allow a person to remain independent and stay connected to both nature and the world around them. People need opportunities to interact with nature, whether visiting a neighborhood park with family or simply going to the local store to buy a newspaper and cup of coffee; it is truly essential to maintaining quality and enjoyment of life for everyone. This article was adapted from one previously published in Icon Magazine; it was also featured in Blueprints for Senior Living, the Design for Aging Knowledge Community’s quarterly e-newsletter. Jack Carman, FASLA, is a landscape architect and founder of Design for Generations, LLC, specializing in the design and development of therapeutic gardens and landscapes for senior communities and healthcare facilities.
Requiring no prior experience or special equipment, birdwatching is an inexpensive and flexible hobby. Low-key and relaxing, birdwatching can be as simple as placing a bird feeder outside a window in a common area, or as involved as organizing a recreational activity to make pine cone bird feeders. Encouraging feathered friends to visit your therapeutic garden in autumn, while natural food sources are still plentiful, teaches them that you are a go-to location for sustenance. Then, once winter settles over your garden, feathered visitors will drop in, offering ever-changing pops of color and vitality for your residents and guests. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests that continuing to learn new things helps to form new neural paths, contributing to overall health of the brain. For those new to birding, identifying the bird species and committing them to memory can be a stimulating mental activity. More experienced birders can focus on learning more about the everyday behavior of local birds. Late fall is the prime time for birds, making November the ideal time to begin introducing a birdwatching hobby to your older adults. One of the most popular retirement activities, birdwatching is a healthy, low-cost hobby that both engages the senses and encourages seniors to keep learning. Additional reading – The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a wonderful resource to learn more about birds, where scientists, conservations, engineers, educators, and students all work together for a common purpose: to understand birds and other wildlife, to involve the public in scientific discovery, and to use that knowledge to protect our planet.
Whether you’re holding onto summer kicking and screaming and refuse to let go, or eagerly embracing autumn, this month delight in the simple pleasures that your therapeutic garden continues to provide. As the early evenings begin to get cooler, head outside to pick ingredients to whip up a quick and simple fresh salsa. The explosion of taste from using homegrown food will make you wonder why you’ve never done this before. Also, the brighter flavors of garden-fresh produce will help to combat the diminished ability to taste that is so common among seniors. As the Mayo Clinic, and others, have noted, when people begin to lose their sense of taste it negatively impacts their quality of life. Often a diminished ability to taste leads to a loss of appetite and poor nutrition, as people eat less or begin to add excess salt and sugar to their food in an attempt to draw out flavor. The elderly can find joy and connection by participating in the garden harvest, too, despite physical or mental limitations they may have. From identifying which tomatoes to choose, to picking cilantro, or mixing the finished product, the experience of converting garden produce to culinary wonder offers many stages of engagement for all who participate. One quick and easy salsa recipe from food.com can be found here: http://fd.cm/1hDamTf. Look around your therapeutic garden for simple opportunities to harvest. If you have an abundance of mint, consider making sun tea with mint leaves. For basil, make pesto. If your tomatoes are still green, consider Jack Carman’s tasty recipe for fried green tomatoes. September is the time to reap what you sowed.
The restorative powers of nature are evident in the homes presented in this article in the WSJ. This is just another way to experience nature ‘up close and personal.’ http://www.wsj.com/articles/luxury-homes-with-windows-on-the-wild-1422550796
Just watched a great TED Talk on “Window farms”. This TED Talk focuses on how RND-I-Y can be used to inspire people to grow their own food, on their windows, throughout the year. There are a wide range of possibilities. Let me know what you think. http://www.ted.com/playlists/224/grow_your_own_stuff?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2015-01-24&utm_campaign=newsletter_weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_content=playlist_button
A recent article in the NY Times talks about doctors prescribing working in the garden as a way to improve health and quality of life. It appears that the medical profession is beginning to see spending time working in the garden as a way to not only grow fresh local organic produce – it is a way to improve one’s health.
While nature is ‘healing’ for cities, an additional focus of the report might have included how nature is healing for people, also. Biophilic design, as described by Stephen Kellert, connects people with nature. Maintaining a connection with nature has been found to improve our health and over-all well-being. Nature and cities and people can evolve together. A link to the NPR story on Morning Edition, can be found at: http://www.npr.org/2014/09/26/351678359/rethinking-the-relationship-between-civilization-and-nature
We all too often take nature – more specifically – plants for granted. There is a research study that examines the causes of ‘plant blindness’. many people just see evergreens and deciduous trees. Some botanists are helping people to look closer at the natural world around us. A You Tube serires looks at the ways plants positively influence our lives – youtube.com/plantsarecooltoo A recent article by Virginia A. Smith in the Phil. Inquirer “Botanists Battle Plant Blindness with Seeds of Knowledge” highlights the fact that plants are an integral part of our survival. http://articles.philly.com/2014-09-13/news/53855438_1_plants-botanists-blindness This is one aspect of how plants and nature in general influences our lives on a daily basis. Stop for a minutes, wherever you are, and focus on the natural world around you. This could be on your way to work, during a lunch time stroll with friends or maybe walking the god. Wherever you are – take a closer look at nature. It will help reduce stress and improve your health. A nice side benefit!
There are several good books out this season that will be of benefit for you and your garden. The article in the NY Times on May 29th offers several suggestions on a variety of subjects, from plant care to natural remedies to even understanding weeds a little better. Enjoy!
Why not do something special today -plant a tree – or several trees. It is good for the environment – and your health too!
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Design For Generations, LLC
Jack Carman F.A.S.L.A.
92 Tallowood Drive
Medford NJ 08055
Voice – 609-953-5881
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jack@designforgenerations.com
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