Plant People

The case for biophilia in long-term care

Fact checked by Jim Lacy

I was managing my dad’s memory care when I often wondered if more time outdoors would have helped him. Because he spent most of his time in a wheelchair or bed, he developed painful bed sores that required constant attention from his hospice nurses. Fentanyl patches helped manage his pain, but they couldn’t replace the healing power of fresh air and sunlight.  

I would’ve loved for him to go outside every day — to sit in the sunshine or roll through the garden, even an indoor one. Sadly, that wasn’t part of his care plan. 

As I’ve continued writing about environmental issues and longevity, I’m convinced, at least anecdotally, that biophilia is essential to our wellbeing. The late Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson deemed biophilia —  the love of nature — vital to the human experience.

“To explore and affiliate with life is a deep and complicated process in mental development,” Wilson writes in his book, Biophilia. “To an extent still undervalued in philosophy and religion, our existence depends on this propensity, our spirit is woven from it hope rises on its currents.”

In long-term care, biophilia has inspired a growing movement toward human-centered design. Academic research has linked plants, green spaces, and outdoor settings to better health outcomes.

The emerging field of eco-gerontology builds on the connection between nature and aging. Some of the most well-known studies of people living in so-called “blue zones” — regions where residents commonly reach advanced age — found that frequent outside activity contributed to longevity and overall health. 

The nature-centered approach has a broad palette. It could manifest in abundant plant life within a facility or organized outings for birdwatching or hiking. Looking back, I wish I could have shared those kinds of experiences with my dad. 

Research shows that more time in nature improves both physical and mental health, fostering gratitude, self-worth, stress recovery, and resilience against mental illness.

More than just an architectural fad, biophilic design reflects an evolving philosophy in institutional construction: How can structures bring us closer to nature and help us reap its benefits? The answer goes beyond putting potted plants in common areas. It includes natural lighting, fresh-air ventilation, and the use of sustainable, earth-friendly materials. 

There’s no good tally on how many long-term care facilities incorporate nature-centered design, but I suspect the number remains low. Many are understaffed and may find it difficult to integrate nature-centered design. Yet, improved health outcomes could easily offset the costs. 

Each week, I see more people in their seventh decade and beyond on hiking and biking trails. Many take part in what the Japanese call forest bathing — a physical and often spiritual communion with trees and forest life. Our local forest preserve even offers naturalist-led senior walks. 

Since both of my grandmothers and father spent their final days in conventional — and rather dismal — long-term care facilities, I often wonder how much their quality of life might have improved with more time outdoors. I know intuitively that nature nurtures us in ways that defy measurement. That’s why we should embrace it, especially when we need it most, throughout every stage of life.

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Originally published in the Winter/Spring 2026 print issue.