Why Nature Matters: The Impact of the Natural World on Our Health and Longevity
Thursday, February 19, 2026
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
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
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.
Event Details for Participants:
At Home, On Air live podcast interviews are free or by donation, and pre-registration is required. There will be an audience Q&A opportunity following a 30-minute interview. A takeaway will be provided to all participants two weeks after the event with additional resources. If you’re unable to attend, this conversation will be recorded and later published as a podcast episode. Find our podcast by searching for “At Home, On Air” on your preferred platform.
Register, then look for an email from At Home With Growing Older.
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. 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.
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Takeaway Resources:
Our takeaway resources will be available about two weeks following the live episode. Please check back soon!