HANOVER, PA — The Shapiro Administration has unveiled a new initiative aimed at helping older Pennsylvanians stay healthy and active by strengthening their connection to the outdoors. During an event at Codorus State Park in York County, state officials introduced Connecting to the Outdoors as We Age: Pennsylvania’s Rx for Nature, a toolkit designed to provide caregivers, long-term care facilities, and community organizations with practical strategies to support older adults.
Developed through a partnership between the Pennsylvania Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Aging, and Health, the toolkit offers resources such as indoor nature guides, low-cost facility adaptations, and tips for overcoming access barriers. It also highlights research identifying 10 proven physical and mental health benefits of outdoor recreation, including reduced stress, lower risks of chronic disease, improved memory and attention, and enhanced overall well-being.
“All Pennsylvanians deserve safe, high-quality opportunities to enjoy our natural spaces,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, noting the role of state parks and forests in promoting wellness. Pennsylvania manages 124 state parks and more than 2.2 million acres of forestland, which remain free and open to the public.
The release of the toolkit comes as Pennsylvania was officially recognized as an Age-Friendly State by AARP earlier this year, a designation underscoring Governor Josh Shapiro’s efforts to expand services and improve quality of life for older residents. The initiative builds on the administration’s 10-year strategic plan, Aging Our Way, PA, which focuses on reducing social isolation, increasing volunteer engagement, and strengthening community partnerships.
“Spending time outdoors improves overall well-being and quality of life as we age,” said Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich, encouraging older adults to take advantage of the state’s parks and recreation opportunities.
Officials emphasized that the toolkit supports broader public health goals by promoting affordable, accessible opportunities for physical activity, particularly in underserved communities. The Department of Health’s State Health Improvement Plan highlights outdoor recreation as a critical strategy for improving statewide health outcomes.
By integrating inclusive design principles, the toolkit also aligns with DCNR’s Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces recreation plan and Mosaic initiative, which prioritize expanded ADA accessibility and equitable access to public lands across the Commonwealth.
The Shapiro Administration hopes the effort will help older Pennsylvanians maintain independence, foster social connections, and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of nature well into the future.
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