Free Resources
Outdoor Evaluation Tool
How well does your facility bring people closer to nature? The Outdoor Evaluation Tool allows you to discover your facility's strengths and weaknesses, so you can make the most feasible and cost-effective improvements.
Research References
Access to Nature is based on current research about nature's effect on the lives of older adults – click here for a list of references on this topic.
Coming Soon...
Recommended Readings
A list of recommended books and research based articles relevant
to aging and the design of
outdoor space.
Relevant Resources
A list of organizations, professionals, and resources focused on issues of aging, therapeutic outdoor environments and/or designing outdoor spaces for older adults.
Available with purchase of program
Supplemental Readings
Special considerations are required for designing gardens
for those with dementia.
These readings from leading experts
in the field of dementia and designing outdoor space provide
detailed guidelines for creating outdoor spaces
that support
those with dementia.
Interactive Exercises
Build the perfect bench. Design doors that are an invitation to the outdoors. Plant trees and place patios. With Access to Nature's suite of interactive exercises, you get a hands-on opportunity to see the effectiveness of good design decisions, and you'll have some fun
in the process.
Coming Soon...
Printable Pages
These one-page printable pdfs provide at-a-glance
information on the most effective elements of
outdoor space for healthy aging.
