Colorado Springs seniors practice forest bathing for better mental health

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. —  At North Shooks Park Run, a relatively flat area in downtown Colorado Springs, 10 women 55 and older gathered for a guided forest bathing session — a mindfulness practice in which participants focus their senses on what they see, hear, and feel in nature.

Forest bathing is related to the Japanese practice shinrin-yoku, which emerged in the 1980s to address the mental health issues their country’s population faced when they switched from an agrarian way of life to an industrialized society. 

“I receive a lot of joy watching people receive whatever they need from the forest,” said Serena Vogel, a forest bathing guide who leads the accessible walks for the Colorado Springs Senior Center, in addition to leading other forest bathing sessions at Cheyenne Canyon. 

Research shows older adults “are the least active segment of our population, and are likely to spend less time outdoors than other age groups.” The same study found that older adults who spent 30 minutes or more outside were more likely to have fewer depressive symptoms and reported less fear of falling.  

Numerous studies have detailed the scientific benefits of forest bathing. One study found that phytoncides, a chemical released by trees, can decrease the production of stress hormones in humans. 

“The therapeutic part is that connection that I allow myself to have with nature, with the trees, with the earth, with the birds, with everything in nature,” said Judith Mckay, a participant in the forest bathing session.

“Really, it's an honor to offer this practice for people,” Vogel said.