Researchers tell us that senior citizens live longer, remain in their homes longer and participate more fully in community life when they have satisfying hobbies, various recreation pursuits and a positive leisure ethic. When communities invest in parks and recreation, they invest in the health of their citizens. Industries and the military have embraced the concepts of recreation and exercise as critical elements in keeping fit, as a means of maintaining morale and increasing productivity. Recreation activities enable us to be in control of something which provides us with meaning and satisfaction. They enhance self-esteem and reinforce self confidence.
Some environments are more conducive to the recreative experience than others.
Parks happen to be one of those settings in which the more positive feelings of elation and satisfaction occur, where the restorative processes associated with leisure are enhanced. Roger Ulrich, Ulf Dinberg and B.L. Driver reported that after four to six minutes of exposure to natural environments, compared to the urban experience, significantly greater recuperation was evident on all physiological measures. They argue that even short leisure contact with nature is important to many urbanites in their ability to cope with annoyances and daily responsibilities. These experiences also seem to restore their physical energy. A similar finding was reported by Michael Blazey and Geoffrey Godbey.