Outdoor nature-based activities for mental vitality and cognitive empowerment in older adults: a randomized...

Nature exposure has been associated with mental health and cognitive benefits among older adults. However, controlled trials evaluating specific types of nature-based interventions are limited. This study aims to examine the effects of two structured outdoor activities, walking with meaningful conversation and group meditation, on mental vitality and cognitive empowerment in elderly women.

This is a three-arm parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) enrolling 111 women aged ≥ 60 from 9 urban and rural health centers in Khafr County, Iran. Participants will be randomized into the following: (1) Walking with meaningful conversation group, (2) meditation in nature group, and (3) control group with no intervention. Each intervention consists of eight 2-h sessions across 8 weeks. Assessments will occur at baseline, post-intervention (week 8), and 3-month follow-up using validated questionnaires on mental vitality and cognitive empowerment. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) model will be applied to analyze changes over time.

We hypothesize that both intervention groups will show significant improvements compared to the control, with walking expected to yield greater gains in mental vitality and meditation to better enhance cognitive empowerment. Findings may support the implementation of community-based, non-pharmacological programs to promote active aging.

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20241023063481N1. Registered on 18 February 2025.