Spending time in nature doesn’t just feel good—it is good for us. Research shows that just 15 minutes outdoors or engaging with nature each day can improve overall health and well-being. This is especially true for people living with dementia.
Regular contact with nature can support better sleep, improve communication skills, boost memory and mood, and even slow the progression of dementia. Best of all, it doesn’t take much—simple, everyday activities can make a real difference.
Whether you’re living with dementia or supporting someone who is, here are some easy and enjoyable ways to connect with nature:
Simple Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors
1. Take your cuppa outside
Enjoy a hot drink or snack in the garden, and take time to notice what you can see, smell, hear, or feel around you.
2. Do a little gardening
Gentle tasks like deadheading flowers, watering with small bottles, or sorting seeds can be soothing and rewarding.
3. Grow something familiar
Choose easy-to-grow favourites like runner beans, tomatoes, sunflowers, or sweet peas. Watching them grow brings joy and routine.
4. Welcome wildlife
Set up a bird feeder or a shallow water bath to attract birds and insects. Just a little food or water can make a big difference.
5. Create warm, sunny seating
Place chairs in sheltered spots to make the most of sunny weather—even in cooler months.
6. Read outside
Take a book, newspaper, or magazine into the fresh air and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin.
7. Call a friend outdoors
Take a phone call outside and talk about what you can see—nature makes a lovely conversation starter.
8. Collect natural treasures
Pick up pine cones, conkers, or leaves during walks—these can spark conversations and memories later.
9. Identify birds and bugs
Use a free app to recognise bird songs, butterflies, or plants. It can add an element of fun and discovery.
10. Try stargazing
Use a guide or app to spot constellations—or simply enjoy the calm of the night sky.
Ways to Help Nature, Too
Looking after nature can feel just as good as being in it. Try these simple eco-friendly ideas:
1. Go litter-picking
A walk with purpose! Help your local environment while getting fresh air.
2. Make a wildlife home
Build a bird box, bug hotel or hedgehog house with recycled materials.
3. Upcycle for nature
Turn yogurt pots or milk cartons into planters or bird feeders.
4. Grow a mini forest
Collect acorns or conkers and grow them in pots to gift or plant later.
What If I Can’t Get Outside?
Even if going outdoors isn’t possible, there are still lots of ways to bring the calming benefits of nature inside:
1. Bring nature to you
Ask someone to bring seasonal flowers or a potted plant.
2. Craft with natural objects
Use collected leaves or flowers to create a nature picture or craft project.
3. Create a memory photo book
Fill it with pictures of your favourite places, gardens, or countryside scenes.
4. Sit by the window
Chat with a loved one about what you can see outside—or simply enjoy the view.
5. Improve your view
Can your chair or bed be moved to look out of a window?
6. Do some birdwatching
Use bird spotter sheets to identify garden visitors. The RSPB has great free resources.
7. Browse themed magazines
Try gardening, wildlife, or farming magazines to spark interest and memories.
8. Listen to nature sounds
BBC Sounds and similar apps offer calming audio from woodlands, seasides and more.
9. Watch nature programmes
From David Attenborough documentaries to slow-TV style bird cams, there’s plenty to enjoy.
10. Try a live wildlife cam
Watch animals in real time from the comfort of home through webcams from The Wildlife Trust and other nature groups.
Nature Is for Everyone
Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, connecting with nature can bring calm, joy, and a sense of connection to the world around you. It’s never about doing something big—it’s about doing something regular and meaningful.
A few minutes a day can make a big difference.
In this video, we explore ways to take advantage of outdoor possibilities. We discuss sensory walks, reconnecting with nature in the garden, visiting local parks, and planning outdoor activities like picnics and meet-ups. Discover how gardening and community allotments can provide joy and connection, and learn practical tips for making outdoor experiences dementia-inclusive, enjoyable, and accessible.
