At Home, On Air: A Conversation with Dr. Susan Rodiek

At Home, On Air: A Conversation with Dr. Susan Rodiek

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Why Nature Matters: The Impact of the Natural World on Our Health and Longevity

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Thank you to everyone who attended the live conversation with Dr. Susan Rodiek on February 19, 2026. The episode has been released on our podcast. Find our podcast by searching for “At Home, On Air” on your preferred platform.

“Just going outside, you’re exerting independence by leaving the building. The air is different, the temperature’s different, the fragrances are different … you’re able to change your world.“

–Dr. Susan Rodiek

Thank You to Our Featured Guest:

Dr. Susan Rodiek | Ph.D., EDAC, Professor Emerita, Center for Health Systems & Design School of Architecture at Texas A&M University – Architect, Researcher, Author

Thank You to Our Podcast Hosts:

Susanne Stadler and Rachael Friedman | At Home With Growing Older

Episode Description:

How does contact with nature impact our health as we grow older?

Architect, researcher and author, Dr. Susan Rodiek explores the science behind nature’s therapeutic effects, from groundbreaking cortisol studies to practical design solutions that remove barriers and create easy outdoor access in homes and senior communities. Learn how simple changes in one’s home and daily life practice—from threshold design to transition spaces and from enjoying fresh air in a sheltered outdoor space to watching the natural world from a well placed chair through the window—can significantly improve physical and mental well-being in later life.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Susan Rodiek taught architectural design for 20 years at Texas A&M University, focusing on how to humanize places for aging and healthcare. Her research emphasizes the therapeutic value of nature and the outdoors. She has published numerous papers, book chapters, and a comprehensive set of how-to videos, “Access to Nature for Older Adults,” which can be viewed at: www.accesstonature.org or www.youtube.com/@accesstonatureorg. Her research team developed the “Seniors Outdoor Survey” (SOS)  tool—a simple approach to help evaluate the quality of outdoor space for aging. This evidence-based tool is being used by researchers, designers, and care providers in many settings. It is available in English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese; and currently, it’s being translated into Finnish!

About the Podcast:

At Home, On Air  is a radio hour offering connection, community and knowledge to participants. At Home With Growing Older proudly hosts this podcast covering a wide array of topics with guest speakers, who share insights and tips about aging at home. This season, we are exploring the theme, People and Places That Build Community: Creating a Home Away From Home. Find our podcast by searching for “At Home, On Air” on your preferred platform.

Thank You!

Thank you for participating in our programs! These conversations are possible because of your support and participation; we hope you’ll continue to discuss these topics with your neighbors, families and friends. 

Support Our Work:

Support our work by subscribing to our At Home, On Air podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, by sharing episodes with those you know who may benefit from these free online resources, or by making a donation to At Home With Growing Older. Thank you for being a part of our learning community!

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Takeaway Resources:

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Susan’s Shared Documents:

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Why Nature Matters: The Impact of the Natural World on Our Health and Longevity
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