For better health and sense of purpose, try trees

For better health and sense of purpose, try trees


When it comes to finding your purpose in life — and improving your health — many self-help books and gurus claim to be able to help. And, for a pretty penny, perhaps they can. But researchers from Penn State University have a cheaper option:

Grab your shoes and go take a bath.

In a new study published in Leisure Sciences, researchers looked at the attitudes, beliefs and habits of a group of elderly people. Over 65 and regularly spending time in nature, the participants showed improved health and quality of life from a common practice called forest bathing.

No, you’re not shimmying through the woods in the nude. Forest bathing, which originated with older adults in Japan, China and Taiwan, refers to spending time in nature while engaging all of your five senses, like listening to birds chirping and smelling the pine trees.

Researchers surveyed almost 300 visitors to a nature preserve who were at least 65 years of age and visited the park at least once a week. They asked a series of questions that included how supported the participants felt, how much they thought about their future and how much purpose they felt their lives had.

Those who discussed their experiences in nature with others tended to show a greater sense of attachment to both forest bathing and a stronger sense of purpose in life. That, in turn, was associated with better physical and mental health.

It doesn’t take much gear or energy to forest bathe — and the results, though subtle, could have a profound effect on your elderly loved ones. As far as baths go, this may be the easiest one yet.

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