It is important to remember that Vitamin D deficiency is under treated for elders.  Many older adults spend more time indoors and have inadequate intake of Vitamin D.  While Vitamin D supplements are part of the solution; most people meet at least some of their vitamin D needs through exposure to sunlight.   Vitamin D is produced when ultra violet rays from sunshine meet the skin and trigger Vitamin D synthesis.  Elders complaining of unexplained pain, injuries from falls, gait disorders may all be a result of a lack of Vitamin D.

We need to create more opportunities for elders to spend time outdoors.  Therapeutic Gardens, walking paths, nature trails, community vegetable gardens, bird watching walks, and other outdoor activities and programs will encourage elders to venture outdoors.  Spending time in sunlight is vital to their health and well-being.  Including benches and areas for socializing encourage people to spend more time outside.  It also helps to include activities that elders would find in their neighborhoods such as putting greens, bocce and croquet courts.  Settings also include continuing care communities, assisted living communities and Alzheimer’s residences.

Walking paths for exercise and enjoyment

The season of the year, the time of day, smog, and skin melatonin are among the factors affect Vitamin D synthesis.  Cloud cover can reduce the suns potential energy by 50%.  Shade reduces Vitamin D intake by 60%.  Even though we may enjoy sitting next to a sunny window, the sun’s radiation does not penetrate glass.  It is estimated that between 5 to 30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM at least twice a week is helpful for Vitamin D production.  Sunlight is best absorbed when the face, arms and legs are exposed without sunscreen.  We need to create stimulating outdoor gardens and environments that encourage elders to spend more time outdoors!