Why being outside affects our lifespan and what you can do

ARTICLE

1 May 2025

3 min read

Want to live a longer, healthier life? You might want to step outside.

Heard of the AIA Vitality Zones? They’re 45 of the healthiest communities in Australia, where residents live up to 8 years longer on average than the rest of the country.

Aside from their general commitment to eating well and moving often, these thriving residents consider their health holistically, investing in areas of their wellbeing that are often overlooked, like time in nature.

Getting out does your body good

Being outside is not just good for you. Exercise, fresh clean air and a healthy dose of Vitamin D from the sun all do wonders for our musculoskeletal health. Even microbes in plants, soil and fungi¹ are beneficial to our immune system’s development and health. Spending just a few minutes in nature each day can exponentially improve our physical wellbeing, and it’s free. What’s not to love about that?

Brains need air too

With the exception of First Nations peoples—who’ve always retained a deeper connection to the environment—our time with nature is largely overlooked. Urbanisation, migration and surging population rates have resulted in many of us living our days in busy, structured and over-stimulating environments.

And while the links between the natural world and our mental health are still relatively unknown, studies have shown that cortisol, a hormone linked with stress, decreases dramatically when people spend time outdoors. This is unsurprising, when you consider the effect staring at a screen all day has on us. So, the next time you’re feeling wound up, why not step outside and enjoy the best support system on offer?

How to get more nature into your day

Start small and build gradually: Even a few minutes will benefit your body and help you build a habit without overwhelming yourself, like going for a walk on your lunchbreak or eating a meal outside.

Do things you enjoy: Finding things you enjoy is a more sustainable way to build outdoor time into your life, long-term. Bike riding, hiking and exploring the beautiful natural areas available to us here in Aus, are the things I enjoy that get me outside.

Plant a tree: There’s nothing like planting a tree to regain that sense of control over your circumstances and the calm it brings. And that’s good for both you and the planet.

Get social: Whether with friends, volunteering or your own hobby, socialising outside, particularly over an activity is a wonderful way to build connections with and in nature.

We’re so lucky to have access to a diverse range of beautiful, natural environments here in Australia. Whether it’s your local park, a beach on the other side of town or a mountainous wonder a few hours away, time outside is never time wasted, in fact it’s a pretty wonderful way to spend it.

Tim Jarvis

AIA Ambassador Tim Jarvis is a world-renowned polar explorer, expedition leader and environmental scientist. With a focus on sustainability, Tim has more than 25 years’ worth of experience in his respective fields, and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping teams and individuals perform at their highest level.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2025 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

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