Josh Shapiro, Governor | Pennsylvania Government
Members of the Shapiro Administration introduced a new toolkit at Codorus State Park in York County aimed at helping older Pennsylvanians connect with nature to improve their health. The resource, titled "Connecting to the Outdoors as We Age: Pennsylvania's Rx for Nature," was developed through collaboration among the Pennsylvania Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Aging (PDA), and Health (DOH).
The toolkit is designed for caregivers, long-term care facilities, and community organizations. It offers practical approaches such as guides for bringing elements of nature indoors, suggestions for low-cost adaptations within facilities, tips to address access barriers, and research on ten health benefits linked to outdoor recreation. These benefits include reduced stress and anxiety, lower risk of chronic disease, improved memory and attention, and enhanced overall well-being.
All 124 state parks and forests in Pennsylvania remain free and open to the public.
Speakers at the event included Codorus State Park Manager Deanna Schall; DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn; Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich; Special Advisor to the Secretary of Health Dr. Robert Bonacci; Codorus State Park Environmental Education Specialist Renae Weidner; and Friends of Codorus State Park President Frank Kozak.