1. The impacts of ageing on connection to nature: the varied responses of older adults
- Author
-
Yolanda van Heezik, Debra L. Waters, Yvette Buttery, and Claire Freeman
- Subjects
Gerontology ,Male ,Aging ,Health (social science) ,Geography, Planning and Development ,Poison control ,Suicide prevention ,Occupational safety and health ,Interviews as Topic ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Residence Characteristics ,Injury prevention ,Photography ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Mobility Limitation ,Qualitative Research ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,Retirement ,030505 public health ,business.industry ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Human factors and ergonomics ,Reduced mobility ,Nature ,Female ,0305 other medical science ,business ,Psychology ,Accommodation ,Gardens ,Qualitative research ,New Zealand - Abstract
Access to nature is important for wellbeing at all ages with significant benefits for older adults. This paper explores the impacts of older adults' age-related health conditions on nature connection, their responses to the changes and identifies the types of nature connections and greenspaces available to and prioritised by older adults. It is based on the experiences of 72 New Zealand older adults aged 65-99, living in family homes, down-sized homes and rest homes. Data were gathered through interviews, photographs and assessments of the natural features of their home environment. Nearly all participants experienced age-related changes in their ways of connecting with nature as living accommodation and especially health and mobility changed. Reduced mobility was the primary factor limiting nature experiences especially for frailer adults. In contrast, for 'younger' older adults, retirement can provide more time and opportunities to engage with nature. Nature connection opportunities are valued by nearly all adults irrespective of age and health. Accessible nature opportunities in the nearby and home environment should be available to all adults irrespective of health and accommodation type. Dedicated resources need to be provided to ensure these opportunities are present for the frailest whose opportunities to have direct contact with nature are frequently absent.
- Published
- 2018