May is a time to honor the strength, wisdom, and vitality of older adults in our community and consider choices that support long, healthy lives. From our vantage point at the May Arboretum Society, we feel that few choices are as beneficial or enjoyable as spending time in nature.
Nestled close to the University of Nevada, Reno, and minutes from downtown, the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers a serene, accessible retreat for walking, stretching, breathing deep, and simply being present. It’s a place where bird song replaces traffic noise, where the glow of screens gives way to dappled sunlight, and where notifications are traded for the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
A recent push from the American Heart Association touted the benefits of regular walking in natural settings, as it can significantly improve cardiovascular health, reduce symptoms of depression, and enhance sleep quality. Experts suggest aiming for around 150 minutes of moderate aerobic movement each week, like brisk walks or gardening, or 75 minutes of more intense activities, such as jogging or dance-based workouts. And yet, even modest movement, like a short daily stroll, can trigger measurable improvements in mood, circulation, and energy levels.
Moving through green spaces like the Arboretum offers myriad benefits, including:
Heart Health:Gentle aerobic movement like walking increases circulation and supports a healthier heart. Just 20 to 30 minutes daily can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Mental Clarity and Mood:Exposure to nature has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The quiet rhythm of walking helps settle the nervous system, and natural light helps regulate serotonin and melatonin levels.
Improved Sleep:Daily walks, particularly in the morning light, can help reset the body’s circadian rhythms, leading to more restful sleep at night.
Cognitive Function:The combination of movement, sensory stimulation, and mental engagement with nature has been linked to improved memory, attention span, and brain health – key benefits as we age.
Social Connection:Walking with friends, neighbors, or even grandchildren turns a healthy habit into a meaningful routine, fostering joy and reducing feelings of isolation.
The Arboretum, with its well-maintained trails, gentle terrain, and shaded resting spots, makes it easy to incorporate movement into the day. Whether it’s a morning walk past blooming irises, a gentle yoga stretch under the cottonwoods, or a scavenger hunt with the grandkids, the Arboretum invites all ages to engage with nature in ways that feel good.
During Older Americans Month, we would be remiss not to point out the special serenity of Kleiner Oak Grove, a peaceful sanctuary named after founder and plant botanist Dr. Edward F. Kleiner, PhD, whose vision more than 40 years ago brought this oasis to life. Planted more than 30 years ago by Kleiner Oak Grove features a sweeping collection of 18 eastern oak species, from vibrant Scarlett and Shumard oaks to the broad, shade-giving Bur and White varieties. In spring, the grove bursts with daffodils; in fall, its canopy blazes with rich reds, oranges, and gold.
Dr. Kleiner’s legacy will be celebrated this June at the Arboretum’s Gala in the Garden, a twilight fundraiser and tribute to the roots he planted (literal and symbolic) that continue to grow.
For those seeking connection to nature, others, and themselves, the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers a place to move your body, quiet your mind, and nurture your spirit, one step at a time. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, we are reminded that growth doesn’t stop with age. Like the trees in Kleiner Oak Grove, it deepens its roots and stretches upward.
