Authors: Iva Holmerová; Alžběta Bártová; Barbora Holubová; Blanka Novotná; Anna Šlegrová; Laura Coll Planas; Kaisu Pitkala; Jill Litt Authors‘ workplace: Centrum pro studium dlouhověkosti a dlouhodobé péče CELLO FHS UK Published in: Geriatrie a Gerontologie 2026, 15, č. 1: 30-34 Category: Original Article doi: https://doi.org/10.61568/geri/50-6703/20260311/143074
Introduction: Spending time in nature is now a recognized and evidence-based health-promoting intervention. In older adults, contact with natural environments and physical activity in nature can significantly contribute to maintaining functional capacity, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Group activities in natural settings play a particularly important role, as they combine physical activity, social interaction, and positive environmental stimuli.
Aim: The aim of this article is to summarize current knowledge on the effects of exposure to nature and group-based outdoor activities on the health of older adults, to assess how these topics are reflected in Czech strategic documents on ageing and health promotion, and to present the relevance of the RECETAS project.
Methods: This narrative review is based on published evidence and on an analysis of relevant Czech strategic documents in the field of ageing policy and health promotion.
Results: Spending time in nature, particularly through participation in group activities in natural environments, has a demonstrably positive impact on the physical, psychological, and social health of older adults. Despite this evidence, these topics are only marginally reflected in Czech strategic documents and lack concrete operationalization. The RECETAS project provides new insights into the importance of connectedness to nature and group-based outdoor activities and offers practical guidance on integrating these approaches into health promotion for older adults.
Conclusion: Group activities for older adults in natural environments represent a promising, accessible, and effective tool for supporting healthy ageing. Their systematic integration into clinical practice, community services, and public policy is warranted.
geriatrics – Quality of life – ageing – functional capacity – nature – group activities
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