I’m no physician, but I do read a great deal of research on healthy aging. When I first started Prime Time for Women, Inc., our mission was simple: to support healthy aging for women over 40 through research-based programs that highlight the benefits of positive social connections, lifelong learning, and healthy lifestyles.

Over time, that mission has grown. After all, we begin aging the day we’re born—and everyone deserves support along the way. No one should have to wait for the resources they need to thrive. That’s why many of our programs now welcome multiple generations and include both women and men.

Our healthy lifestyle programs focus on practical, meaningful habits—like nutritious eating, spending time outdoors, and maintaining good sleep hygiene, to name a few. We also published The Healthy Community Cookbook, which features not only delicious recipes but also photos and short bios of each member who contributed. That choice was intentional, reflecting the growing body of research showing how important it is for people to feel seen and heard—for both physical and mental well-being.

In a similar spirit, our “Connections Over Competition Golf League,” created in partnership with the City of Hagerstown, introduces the game of golf to women who want to connect with others, learn a new sport later in life, and enjoy the health benefits and beauty of time spent outdoors surrounded by the natural beauty of The Greens at Hamilton Run.

Speaking of the outdoors, I recently came across some fascinating ideas from Dr. John La Puma’s book, The Indoor Epidemic: 93% Inside Steals Sleep, Focus & Years—The 7% Outdoor Rx Restores Them. Dr. La Puma, an internist, trained chef, and regenerative organic farmer, suggests that many people who feel burned out aren’t actually overworked—they’re simply indoors too much. He notes that most of us spend about 93% of our lives inside, which is a poor match for how our bodies are designed to function.

Artificial lighting, stale indoor air, and constant exposure to screens—combined with too little time in nature—can lead to poor sleep, brain fog, and stubborn weight gain. The good news? He says that just 17 minutes a day outside can help reset circadian rhythms, lower cortisol levels, and begin restoring what indoor living quietly takes away.

Last year, Prime Time for Women experimented with a “Smartphone Vacation,” encouraging members to remove internet access from their phones for the month of June. It was a revealing experience, and I learned quite a bit along the way.

This spring, I’m inspired to try something new. I plan to read Dr. La Puma’s book and commit to spending 17 minutes outdoors each day for three months—from May through July. I’m especially curious to see whether it improves my sleep.

Would you like to join me? If so, I’d love to hear from you—just visit PTFW’s contact page. I’m also planning a get-together at the main branch of the Washington County Free Library on Thursday, April 16 at 10 a.m. We’ll share tips, ideas, and encouragement for putting this “17-minute prescription” into practice.

Here’s to getting outside a little more—and feeling better because of it.