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Developed by the Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources, Aging, and
Health, the toolkit gives caregivers, long-term care facilities, and community
organizations practical strategies — including indoor nature guides, low-cost
adaptations, and research on 10 proven physical and mental health benefits of outdoor
recreation.
All of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and forests are free and open to the public.
Hanover, PA – Today, members of the Shapiro Administration visited Codorus State
Park in York County to unveil Connecting to the Outdoors as We Age: Pennsylvania’s
Rx for Nature — a new toolkit to help older Pennsylvanians connect with the outdoors
and improve their overall health.
Developed through a partnership between the Pennsylvania Departments of
Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Aging (PDA), and Health (DOH), the
toolkit provides practical strategies for caregivers, long-term care facilities, and
community organizations. It includes guides for bringing nature indoors, low-cost facility
adaptations, tips to overcome access barriers, and research highlighting 10 proven
health benefits of outdoor recreation — from reducing stress and anxiety, to lowering
risk of chronic disease, to improving memory, attention, and overall well-being.
“Getting outside and exploring our state parks is good for your health. We are proud to
partner with Aging and Health to connect older adults with the many benefits nature
provides and help them continue the outdoor activities they love as they age,”
said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “The Shapiro Administration is committed
to providing healthy, safe, and high-quality opportunities for all Pennsylvanians to get
outside and enjoy our wealth of natural spaces.”
The toolkit comes as Pennsylvania was officially designated an Age-Friendly State by
AARP earlier this year — a milestone recognizing Governor Josh Shapiro’s
leadership and commitment to making the Commonwealth a place where older adults
can live with dignity, independence, and support. Under Governor Shapiro’s
leadership, Pennsylvania has delivered results for older adults, including
expanding home- and community-based services, investing in caregiving, and
delivering the largest tax cut for seniors in nearly two decades through the Property
Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program.
Building on the Shapiro Administration’s 10-year strategic plan, Aging Our Way, PA,
the toolkit strengthens connections between older adults and the outdoors. The plan
focuses on reducing social isolation, expanding volunteer networks, and reinforcing
community- and regional-level partnerships to improve and broaden services.
“Spending time outdoors improves overall well-being and quality of life as we age,”
said PDA Secretary Jason Kavulich. “This toolkit is an important part of our Aging Our
Way, PA plan — it creates awareness of opportunities to connect with nature and
encourages older adults to enjoy the recreation and social connections that our state
parks and outdoor spaces provide. I urge everyone, particularly older adults, to gather
with friends and loved ones to explore Pennsylvania’s state parks and all things outside
in recreation.”
DOH’s State Health Improvement Plan highlights the essential health benefits that the
outdoors provides, emphasizing “affordable and accessible opportunities to be
physically active, such as parks, trails, fitness events and recreational facilities,
particularly in under-resourced communities,” as a key strategy to improve
Pennsylvanians’ health.
“Access to nature is more than leisure — it’s a vital component of health and wellbeing,” said DOH Special Advisor Dr. Rob Bonacci. “Outdoor activities like walking,
bird watching, or fishing can bring real physical and mental health benefits for older
Pennsylvanians.”
DCNR’s 2025–2029 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, Outdoor
Places, Shared Spaces, prioritizes safe, welcoming access to and highlights the health
benefits of the outdoors, including expanded ADA accessibility. The toolkit also builds
on the agency’s Mosaic initiative, which promotes accessible and inclusive public lands
for all Pennsylvanians.
DCNR manages Pennsylvania’s 124 free state parks, 2.2 million acres of state
forestland, and supports more than 6,400 local and county parks and extensive regional
and national trail systems — resources older adults rely on for recreation, wellness, and
community connection.
For more information and upcoming events, visit DCNR’s Calendar of Events.
LanChester NUZ 92.9 provides links to web sites of other organizations in order to provide visitors with certain information.