What is the Nature-Based Demonstration Project?
Supp
orted by funding from the Levante Foundation, OACAO successfully carried out its first nature-based demonstration project called, “Nature-Based Programs to Enhance the Quality of Life of Older Adults.” This project ran over a one-year period, from September 2023-2024.
Intended to illustrate the numerous benefits of nature-based programming on holistic well-being, the project offered microgrants for up to 10 centres to implement new or revitalized nature-based programs that could support us in learning more about the impact of engaging in nature for older adults.
Chosen through a Call for Proposals, the 10 projects were from various regions (north-south, urban-rural) in Ontario:
- 55+ Centres, City of Barrie (55+ Parks Tours)
- Active 55+, Sault Ste Marie (Silver Paddle Society)
- Active Adult Centre, Mississauga (Seasons in the Garden)
- City of Cambridge, Cambridge (Guided Forest Walks of Discovery)
- LA CENTRE for Active Seniors, Toronto (Doug Saunders Gardening Club [DSGC])
- Life After Fifty, Windsor (Never Stop Exploring – An Outdoor Nature Program)
- Rendez-vous des aines francophone d’Ottawa (RAFO), Ottawa (Discovering Nature and the Benefits for Seniors)
- The Glebe Centre, Ottawa (Abbotsford Seniors’ Centre Butterfly Release and Nature Walk)
- University Settlement, Toronto (Nature Within Reach)
- Upper Ottawa Valley Seniors Friendship Club, Deep River (Woodsy Wednesday Walks)
What are the Benefits of Nature-Based Programs?
How do you feel after a hike in the woods? A walk by a lake? Working in your garden? Riding your bike with friends at a park?
Nature prescribing, one pathway related to social prescribing, recognizes the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of connecting with nature. Scientific evidence suggests there are, indeed, many benefits! Just seeing nature doesn’t seem to make the difference that fully immersing oneself in nature does. It is the physical activity that is believed to be the key factor that results in health benefits.
What are some of the benefits of being in nature?
- Reduced risk of chronic disease
- Reduced blood pressure
- Increased feelings of well-being and social inclusion
- Reduced stress, anxiety, depression
- Boosted immune system
What is the recommended nature ‘dose’?
- 2 hours/week, 20 minutes at a time
- Evidence suggests that the most efficient drop in cortisol (stress hormone) levels takes place between 20-30 minutes
Tune inwards the next time you go for a walk, and at about the 20-minute mark, you may begin to feel the transition to calm kick in!
What Were the Project Outcomes?
After a year, the success of the 10 demonstration projects was promising! They clearly demonstrated the positive impact of nature-based activities on older adults and provided the centres with important feedback about the interests and preferences of their clients when it comes to nature-based activities.
By the numbers:
- 10 nature-based projects
- 1,054 older adults participated in activities
- 128 volunteers supported activities
- 25 partnerships contributed to the project
Emerging themes:
- Greater appreciation for and connection to nature
- Importance of socializing and building relationships with peers
- Health and well-being benefits of engaging in nature
- Reduction in social isolation and loneliness
“I feel lighter and happier after these walks.”
“The garden gave me another reason to get up in the morning to water my plants.”
“Loved walking through all the gardens, especially the blooming rhododendrons and meeting new friends.”
Final Report
Check out the Final Report (October 2024) to learn more about the promise and potential of implementing nature-based programs!
Interested in Learning More?
Google Drive – Nature-Based Program resource materials
Webinar Recording – Health and Well-Being Benefits of Nature: Green Prescribing (OACAO, 2023)
Final Project Report – Nature-Based Programs to Enhance the Quality of Life of Older Adults (OACAO, 2024)
Handbook – Nature Connected Organizations Handbook (University of Derby, 2025)
Toolkit – Social and Nature Prescribing: Considerations for Health and Environment (Chen, Zahid & Nowlan; CASCADES, 2025)
Questions?
Send an email to info@oacao.org with Subject Line: Nature-Based Programs Question, or call us Toll free at 1-866-835-7693 or local at 905-584-8125
