Walking through nature can help older adults live longer, find purpose in life

The Japanese term shinrin-yoku translates to “forest bathing,” and it describes spending time in nature while engaging all of one’s senses. For these groups, forest bathing may represent an enjoyable and safe way to still spend time around nature. “Enabling people to get out into nature to experience their surroundings is one aspect of forest bathing. Forest bathing can make a real difference for people, he explains, because it can help foster that sense of purpose. “Forest bathing seems to connect people to the moment and the world,” Prof. Chang notes.