Cultivating Wellness: Unveiling Nature's Power in Aging and Caregiving with Dr. Michelle Olson, Founder of Evergreen Minds, Inc.

<p class="MsoNormal">Nature is medicine. How do we harness the power of nature and our environment for our older adults and family caregivers? Joining us today is Dr. Michelle Olson, the founder of a charitable organization called <a href= "https://evergreenminds.org/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Evergreen Minds</a>, which aims to eradicate ageism and ableism. She reconnects communities through intergenerational and dementia-inclusive experiences and nature in expressive arts.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br style= "mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!-- [if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style= "mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dr. Michelle has dedicated over 25 years to closely working with older adults in various senior living settings. I'm so happy she is joining us today. Her credentials include being a social gerontologist, a licensed board-certified nature-based creative arts therapist, a certified Montessori dementia care professional, a certified activity consultant, and a certified forest therapy guide. In this conversation, we explore the healing power of nature and how we can better connect with our natural world.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br style= "mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!-- [if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style= "mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We also talk about the impact of being a family caregiver and how it shapes our views on aging. Michelle shares her experiences with American Society on Aging and the Art Against Ageism initiative. Together, we address misconceptions about aging in our society and discuss the benefits of nature and forest therapy for older adults and their caregivers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br style= "mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!-- [if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style= "mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Michelle shares how to incorporate nature and outdoor spaces into senior living environme