6 Outdoor Activities for Seniors to Enjoy During the Summer
Getting outside during the summer offers actual health benefits to seniors. A Harvard Health study explains that time in the sun raises Vitamin D levels and improves moods. For many seniors, a regular mood boost provided by outdoor activity can significantly enhance quality of life.
With health and safety in mind, seniors and their caregivers can enjoy being outdoors during the summer. Here’s a helpful list of summer activities that may be of interest to your senior.
1. Visit a Local Pool or Lake
In the heat of summer, spending time near a water source is a great way to cool off. Some seniors may enjoy dipping their feet in the lake, while others may want to sign up for a water aerobics class. Fishing is also a popular water-related activity. For those who don’t want to get wet, taking a boat ride or simply sitting somewhere with a scenic water view can be refreshing.
2. Bird Watching
For little or no money, bird watching can keep caregivers and seniors occupied and engaged all throughout the summer months. Whether relaxing in a nearby park or traveling to a wildlife refuge, bird-watching is fun and calming. For those who grow passionate about the activity, a few simple tools will enhance the bird-watching experience:
- Set of binoculars
- A few varieties of bird seed to scatter
- Notebook or checklist for recording sightings
- Birding app for identifying avian life
3. Attend a Simple Sporting Event
Major sporting events may be difficult for seniors, especially events hosted in large arenas where extensive walking, climbing, and sun exposure are required. Local sporting events tend to be friendlier to the aging. Attend youth or recreational sports leagues’ games instead. Just bring a comfortable chair, kick back, and cheer from the sidelines.
4. Play Basic Yard Games
Competitive seniors enjoy classic yard games. Caregivers and their seniors might run an informal summer tournament among friends or just between themselves. Just be sure to select yard games that are low impact and appropriate for senior limitations.
Popular yard games include:
- Cornhole
- Bean bag toss
- Croquet
- Shuffleboard
- Lawn bowling
- Horseshoes
- Pickle ball
5. Check Out Local Festivals
Summer is high time for community fairs and local festivals. Everything from craft shows to free concerts in parks make getting outdoors more exciting. Look for a community calendar on the local government or regional recreational websites.
6. Take a Stroll
It’s basic, but taking a stroll is a pastime nearly everyone enjoys. Make going for a walk an outing by choosing different routes each day or driving to a scenic location to soak in the sights. Seniors will not only benefit from the sun, but also from the leisurely, healthy movement.
Move it outdoors! If the above ideas don’t sound like fun, these favorite hobbies can be moved outdoors on summer days: painting, crafting, reading, writing, scrapbooking, playing cards, entertaining friends, building models.
The hottest time of the day is 3 pm. Schedule indoor activities for the mid to late afternoon to keep seniors from too much exposure to heat. Many seniors benefit from napping or eating in an air-conditioned space between 2 pm and 4 pm when it’s hot outside.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.
Sources:
- https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/1708580/Marketing%20Monthlies/PDFs%20from%20Windfarm%20Marketing/0717-SummerActivities.pdf
- http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/spending-time-outdoors-is-good-for-you
