Advances in Western medicine have made it possible to treat and prevent diseases quickly and effectively. But the truth is, we have come to rely too heavily on medication, instead of focusing on prevention. In fact, recent data shows that four out of five Americans take antibiotics every year. Even more worrying is the fact that 30% of all antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary.

As the years go by, this type of medicine abuse tends to add up. It can create a host of health problems that could have been avoided had we focused on nature's healing power instead. Fortunately, it's never too late to turn to nature. Its benefits are multifold, and it offers solutions to all of humanity's problems, big and small.

So, if you're looking for ways to boost the physical and emotional wellbeing of your elderly loved ones, you can do this with the precious resources provided by Mother Earth. Here are a few places to start.

Ecotherapy

For a long time, nature walks were thought of as something to do just for fun, but research suggests they may actually offer a host of benefits. Since the mid-90s, Ecotherapy has been prescribed to individuals suffering from depression and anxiety. And it showed excellent results. Moreover, it has become a popular way to battle post-cancer fatigue, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

The science behind the success of this form of therapy has still not been uncovered. Nonetheless, it can be stated that being in nature, or even in enclosed spaces with lots of greenery, is an effective way to manage stress.

So, even if your elderly loved ones are perfectly healthy, it's a great idea to encourage them to spend more time in natural surroundings. Daily nature walks, a low-intensity hiking adventure during the weekends, or walking barefoot in the garden are all excellent ways to promote health.

Nurturing healthy habits

There's no question that our ancestors led much healthier lifestyles than we do today. So many people have fallen out of sync with their bodies that junk food and TV screens have become the new normal. But it's never too late to change our ways.

The thing is, the elderly will often feel reluctant to change their habits. But with a small nudge in the right direction, it's far from impossible.

Try to encourage your loved ones to switch up their eating regime. Whether that's by going entirely plant-based, or buying locally grown, organic groceries, you'll see that a healthy natural diet will have a real rejuvenating effect.

Additionally, promote exercise (ideally performed outside). There are numerous age-appropriate activities older individuals can do safely. And the great thing is, these will aid cardiovascular and bone health. They'll also improve muscle tone, and ensure better balance, which can prevent injuries common to those above the age of 65.

Furthermore, carers can encourage their elderly relatives to pick up hobbies that will get them in touch with the natural world around them. Gardening, which is a popular pastime, offers a host of benefits. These include decreased risk of dementia, vitamin D exposure, and a lower likelihood of experiencing loneliness.

Seek out alternative healing methods

If you're ready to use natural resources for their healing powers, why not take a page out of ancient healing practices such as Aryuvedic medicine? Not only does it rely on natural herbs for their medicinal capabilities, but it also takes a holistic approach to health. Similarly to Chinese traditional medicine, it encourages positive habits such as hygiene (in the form of oil pulling, tongue scraping, etc.), exercise, and meditation.

Of course, alternative medicine isn't the only way to incorporate natural remedies to beat common health problems. Even the right choice of herbal tea can have tremendous benefits on the body and soul. So can spirituality or supporting a meaningful cause.

Going back to our roots

There is so much beauty and power in nature that we're often completely unaware of how much we can actually benefit from it. And this is especially true when it comes to healing – both physical and spiritual.

So, if there's an elderly loved one whose quality of life (and longevity) you'd like to help improve, why not start with the small step of turning towards the treasures that are available to us all? Fresh air, greenery, physical activity, and gardening are all excellent ways of improving elderly wellbeing. And not just in terms of the body, but, perhaps more importantly, they're good for the soul as well.

Author Bio:

Sarah Kaminski is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She’s been a freelance writer for over a decade and loves researching health and wellness topics.

This article was submitted exclusively to CrystalWind.ca by Sarah Kaminski

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