THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OLDER PEOPLE AND NATURE: IMPACTS OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE ON THE PROMOTION OF WELL-BEING AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the relationship of older people with nature and the impacts of this interaction on the promotion of well-being and quality of life. To this end, a systematic literature review was carried out in order to identify recent research that analyzed the perceptions of older people in relation to natural environments and the consequences of outdoor activities for the physical, mental and emotional health of this population group. The results showed that contact with nature contributes significantly to the reduction of feelings of loneliness and depression, in addition to favoring the strengthening of social bonds and promoting a renewed sense of belonging and identity. In addition, studies show that older people who maintain a connection with nature tend to have higher levels of subjective happiness and a greater willingness to participate in sustainable practices and environmental conservation. From these findings, it is concluded that nature plays a crucial role in promoting active and healthy aging, and that initiatives aimed at facilitating the access of older people to natural environments are fundamental for the development of public health and well-being policies.