Embrace Nature with Outdoor Recreation for Seniors

For a nature lover, there’s nothing better than a good excuse to spend time exploring the great outdoors. But a good time gets even better when you can combine the therapeutic benefits of nature with recreational activities that promote your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

As a senior, recreation may look a bit different than it did in your younger years. Fortunately, even low-impact outdoor activities like walking, hiking, biking and fishing can deliver the health benefits of recreation for seniors.

Countless studies affirm the health benefits of spending time in nature, from reduced depression and anxiety to better sleep and immunity. Some of the rejuvenating benefits are a direct result of natural elements, such as the added vitamin D from the sun’s rays. Others may have more to do with the increased physical activity that spending time outdoors inspires.

Regardless, ample evidence points to nature as an ideal setting for senior recreation.

Nearby Nature Preserves and Protected Lands

Thanks to the winding Kankakee River, outdoor enthusiasts living in and around the Kankakee, Illinois, area have myriad options when it comes to outdoor activities. From nature preserves to local parks, there’s no shortage of scenic spots for senior recreation activities.

Kankakee River Valley Forest Preserve: Covering 430 acres at eight distinct sites, the Forest Preserve is dedicated to protecting nature areas for native plants and wildlife.

Kankakee River State Park: Home to numerous prehistoric sites, this park in Bourbonnais was also the site of the last great Indian Council. Activities include hunting, fishing and canoeing, as well as metal detecting by permit and a trail system that extends on both sides of the river.

Bourbonnais Township Park District: Four parks and four community facilities allow the Park District to deliver on its mission of recreation, education and preservation.

Kankakee Valley Park District:  With 37 parks (13 of them on the riverfront) covering 600 acres, the Park District is responsible for preserving natural and historical sites on behalf of Kankakee Township and Aroma Park residents.

Scenic Nature Walks

With so much protected natural land in and around Kankakee, it’s no surprise there are also a wealth of well-maintained trails that make exploring these conservation areas a true delight.

One popular site, located east of Kankakee, is the Aroma Land and Water Reserve. The reserve is well known for its abundance of woodland wildflowers, and a winding 1.2-mile trail offers great diversity, passing through forest, prairie and wetland ecosystems.

Another trail ideal for senior recreation is the Gar Creek Trail, which is located just southwest of Kankakee Community College. About .75 mile long, it’s well maintained and flat with a gravel and tarmac surface. Visitors report seeing ample wildlife during a quiet stroll, so be sure to watch for deer and chipmunks among the foliage.

If you’re looking for gentle scenic nature walks for elderly individuals or those who have limited mobility, Kankakee River State Park’s Riverwalk Trail is a .25-mile accessible trail that connects to the longer multi-use trail. Limestone canyons and a frothy waterfall reward hikers who explore a 3-mile route along Rock Creek. Or, from the Kankakee River Visitor Center, you can embark on 1.5-mile, hour-long guided tours for seniors and others with accessibility needs over a flat trail surface.

Bird-Watching Opportunities

If you need a little extra motivation to add some outdoor recreation to your routine, consider incorporating a hobby like bird watching. Beyond the delight of identifying new species and watching birds’ antics, many seniors find the hobby to be a calming and meditative activity that allows them to practice mindfulness.

Local programs that facilitate bird watching for seniors include the Kankakee Valley Audubon Society, which hosts regular trips for bird enthusiasts to meet local experts and learn more about native bird species.

If you’d rather get started on your own, you don’t need much more than a bird identification guide and a good pair of binoculars. You might even entice some friends to join you and end up starting your own bird-watching club as you make your way around the county’s bird-watching hotspots, like Perry Farm Park and Willowhaven Nature Center.

More Senior Recreation Options Nearby

Looking for more ways to expand your knowledge about the local flora and fauna while getting some exercise? These programs and organizations offer nature-based programming, senior outdoor activities and entertainment for seniors:

The Kankakee River Valley Forest Preserve presents a variety of programs, events and activities designed to further knowledge about conservation efforts and other environmental topics, many in partnership with the University of Illinois Extension.

Both the Forest Preserve and Park District invite volunteers to contribute to various programs and events while socializing and helping the community. Learn more about opportunities at various preserves and conservation areas by contacting the sites directly.

A Stroll Through Nature Walking Club meets on Friday mornings at various locations. The free event explores the trees, plants and insects that participants encounter on each stroll.

The City of Kankakee provides a series of maps outlining routes for neighborhood walks in each ward of the city. The routes differ in length so you can match a route to your distance goals.

You can register for a variety of active adult programs through the Bourbonnais Township Park District, including fitness activities and trips to explore new sites.

Safety Tips for Senior Recreation

Now that you’re inspired to start exploring nature and reaping the benefits of outdoor recreation, remember to make your safety a priority.

• Checking in with your doctor before starting a new senior or elderly recreation program is always a good idea. They may have tips or advice to help you ease into the activity safely and ensure you don’t take unnecessary risks.
• Also, be sure to wear sturdy shoes with strong soles and good support and clothing that fits well. Layers can be useful to help regulate your temperature as you get your blood pumping.
• Before you set out on a walk, always do some light stretches to ensure your muscles are limber and up to the task. Make sure you have plenty of water to stay hydrated as well.
• Never walk alone, and always carry a cell phone or emergency notification device. Also, avoid walking in unfamiliar neighborhoods and always stick to daylight hours when visibility is optimal.

Build Connections Through Nature

Ready to meet others who share your affection for enriching outdoor experiences and conserving natural habitats? As a resident of Riverside Senior Life Communities, you can take advantage of programs that allow you to build a deeper connection with nature while you form friendships with neighbors who enjoy Mother Nature as much as you do.