Upcoming Shinrin Yoku Event and Study Highlight Nature Therapy Benefits for Older Adults

On May 19, an event focusing on skogsbad, or forest bathing, will be held at Anhörigstödets location on Gråbotorg 3, where participants over 65 and their caregivers will experience the Japanese recovery method Shinrin Yoku. Scheduled from 15:00 to 16:00, this nature-based activity aims to reduce stress and improve participants' overall well-being and health. The initiative is part of a research collaboration with a Linnéuniversitetet researcher to deepen understanding of how nature therapy affects the well-being and sense of purpose among caregivers. Participants will provide feedback before the session, immediately after, and six months later, with data reported only at the group level to ensure confidentiality.

Supporting this practical approach, recent research highlighted by Dagens Nyheter and published in the journal Geriatrics emphasizes a strong link between a positive attitude toward aging and better health outcomes. The American Health and Retirement Study, tracking over 11,000 older adults since 1992, found that nearly 45% of participants improved their cognitive or physical abilities during the study period, with more than half maintaining or enhancing mental faculties when including stable cases. Study co-author Becca Levy noted that improvement in physical and cognitive abilities later in life is not uncommon, challenging common perceptions about aging. Furthermore, individuals with a positive outlook on aging can live, on average, 7.6 years longer.

Together, the upcoming forest bathing event and the positive psychology research reflect growing efforts in Sweden and internationally to promote nature-based activities and mindsets to support healthier aging and quality of life for older adults.