With the new year typically comes a renewed focus on physical health. One undervalued contributing factor to physical health is the body’s exposure to nature. This month, let nature nurture older adults.

Spending time in therapeutic gardens – even in winter –strengthens immune systems and encourages the body’s natural healing. In particular, proximity to plants and exposure to natural sunlight both boost physical health.

Plants produce airborne chemicals called phytoncides to protect themselves from insects, bacteria and fungi. When people spend time near plants, they naturally breathe in these antibacterial and antifungal chemicals which, in turn, decrease the body’s stress hormones and increase a type of white blood cell called natural killer (NK) cells. This healthy combination promotes physical healing, which can lead to shorter recovery times and a decreased need for painkillers.

The body also experiences physiological changes from exposure to natural sunlight. Adults over the age of 50 have a medical need for an increased amount of vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body produces it in response to exposure to sunlight. In addition to protecting bone strength and heart health, studies have also suggested that vitamin D helps to reduce the likelihood of being infected with the flu. Skin exposed to sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes a day, three times a week, will spur the body to produce adequate levels of vitamin D.

Encourage older adults to continue to immerse themselves in your therapeutic garden this January, surrounding themselves with plants and sunlight, to improve overall physical health.