Healthcare providers recommend a variety of activities to patients to support mental and physical health. Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults say they or a family member have had a doctor suggest methods such as improved eating, daily movement and/or spending time outdoors as a means to improve mental and/or physical health.
Parks and recreation provide myriad programming options that support health and well-being, including those most frequently recommended by healthcare professionals. From group workout classes to self-directed exercises, parks and greenspaces to nature preserves and zoos, yoga practices to music lessons, parks and recreation is just what the doctor ordered.
Key Findings:
- Eighty-six percent of U.S. adults have had a healthcare provider recommend non-medication methods for improving physical and/or mental health
- Parents, Gen Zers and millennials are most likely to have healthcare providers recommend park and recreation-related activities like spending time in nature or engaging in creative activities.
- Nearly 60 percent of U.S. adults have had their healthcare provider recommend moving their body daily.
- One in three U.S. adults have had their healthcare provider suggest practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques and/or engaging in creative activities such as painting, writing or playing music.
