It is no secret that being in nature has exceptional mental health benefits. This reigns true for boating and being on the water. In fact,  Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind, says that “Being on a boat is one of the best ways to access the wellness benefits of the water”. As a result of some scientific research, we now have proof that the mere sound of water lowers cortisol, increases serotonin, and in turn, causes you to relax. With this month being Ontario’s first official Seniors Month, we looked into the effects of boating on senior mental health.

Overall, being outdoors and spending time on the water can help many people improve their mental health. Even those who do not necessarily struggle with their mental health will reap the benefits of being outdoors and the value of bonding with the people they love.

Senior Mental Health

Sadly, the most common mental health problem in seniors is depression. This is a result of a number of factors including functional decline, familial stress, and reduced recovery from other mental illnesses. In addition to these factors, depression in seniors often goes undiagnosed because it gets mistaken for other illnesses such as dementia. 

 

What is the solution? Mental health literacy and providing support to our senior family members will greatly aid in their overall mental wellness. 

So, What Does Boating Have to Do With This? 

Boating and Senior Physical Health 

It is no secret that spending time outdoors is beneficial to anyone’s mental health. In addition to the mental benefits of being outdoors or on the water, there are also physical benefits. Being outside gives the body a higher supply of vitamin D, which seniors often have a deficiency in. Having low levels of vitamin D has been linked to pain in muscles and bones, inflammation, a higher risk of Type 1 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. 

 

Of course, having good physical health also leads to improved mental health. Especially for seniors.

Boating and Senior Mental Health

Boating also contributes to other factors like an improved mood, and higher levels of overall happiness. This is mainly attributed to the fact that if you are spending time on the water, you are likely to be doing so with family and friends. Spending time with your loved ones is always a surefire way to improve your mental health, and doing so on the water, or anywhere outdoors, is even better! 

 

Being on the water also provides you with the opportunity to enjoy some of your favourite hobbies. From fishing to reading, to creating art, there is so much to do! Taking time out of your day to pursue what you love is one more way to prioritize your mental health. 

 

A Legendary Story 

Legend Boat owner, Emily, knows first-hand how impactful time out on the water is. After not being able to get on the water for over 20 years, Emily’s 93-year-old grandmother had her first boat ride in Emily’s 2017 Legend Splash + Cottage. 

 

Here is what Emily’s grandmother had to say about her first time back on the water:

“It felt so good and brought back so many good memories about being on the water in my younger days”.

 

This just goes to show that maintaining mental health, even for seniors, can be as simple as spending time doing the things you love – with the ones you love.

Happy Boating (For Real!) 

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, maintaining good mental health keeps seniors physically healthy – which means staying in their own homes longer. Small changes to your daily habits – regardless of age – can have a big impact on your own mental health. Whether you are scheduling time every day to be outside, or setting time aside to focus on hobbies or hang out with loved ones, you are contributing to the betterment of your overall health.  When something as fun as boating can contribute to the betterment of seniors’ mental health, why not get out and make a day out of it? 

 

So have fun, be healthy, and get boating!

 

While Seniors Month has been unofficially celebrated in the month of June, it is now official provincial legislation. For more information on Seniors Month in Ontario:

Information regarding the new legislation

Information regarding this year’s theme

It is important to note that specific benefits may vary from person to person, and individual preferences and physical abilities should be considered when planning outdoor activities. However, spending time on the water with senior family members can offer a holistic approach to supporting their mental health while creating lasting memories and fostering stronger relationships.