It’s officially summertime and for the majority of 2020 and 2021 we’ve been cooped up in the house. Who has time for that? The sunshine is good for us and we NEED it! Our bodies crave it for the Vitamin D it provides. So we thought we would provide you with some fun activities to do with seniors! These fun activities work for you if you’re a caregiver or just a family friend! Finding a fun activity suitable for a senior’s abilities takes a little creativity and planning, but getting out of the house is well worth it!
The Benefits of Getting Outside
A main advantage of heading outdoors, even for a short period of time, is being able to soak up some sunlight. Sun exposure generates vitamin D, which is necessary for a healthy brain, bones and muscles. Some doctors even prescribe sunlight as a source of vitamin D, which research has shown can improve cognitive function and mood.
Being outside provides mental and emotional benefits, too. Getting out enables elders to socialize with new people, and many outdoor activities provide opportunities for interacting with children and animals. Such activities can give people an extra spring in their step and rejuvenate them, says Christina Chartrand, vice president of training and staff development for Senior Helpers, a nationwide in-home care company.
Ideas for Outdoor Activities
When choosing your activities, focus on hobbies and interests that your loved ones enjoy and get creative with new options they might find fun and rewarding.
- Catch a sporting event. Attending a grandchild’s soccer game or a professional baseball game can be an action-packed way for your loved one to reconnect with one of their favorite pastimes.
- Fish for fun. You can cast a rod from a dock, pier, or other location, even if someone has mobility problems or uses a wheelchair.
- Take a dip. For some folks, this might entail putting a foot in the pool, while others may be able to handle low-impact water aerobics. If a senior is willing and able, spending some time in the pool is an excellent way for them to incorporate some physical activity into their routine that seems more like relaxing than a workout.
- Stroll around. If a walk is possible, start slow and work up to longer routes. If necessary, have a walker or cane accessible just in case!
- Be an animal lover. This could be as simple as bird watching, or it could be a trip to the zoo or local dog park. There are plenty of options for seniors who enjoy animals to get outside and either interact with or observe nature.
- Get Outdoors. Picnics are another flexible activity that you can plan at a park or in your own backyard. Make sure to locate an area with comfortable seating and plenty of shade in advance, or remember to bring your own.
- Attend community events. From Memorial Day concerts to Fourth of July parades and fireworks, there are plenty of community events during spring and summer that offer opportunities for elders to get out and be part of the crowd.
- Ice cream? Yes, Please! Seniors LOVE sweets!! Have you noticed?! Most seniors have a favorite snack or restaurant that picks their spirits right up. Get an ice cream cone from the local Dairy Queen, a coffee and pastry from a favorite breakfast spot, or a lunch special from the diner around the corner. If the weather is nice, enjoy your goodies at a patio table.
Older bodies don’t adjust to temperature changes or perceive thirst as well as younger ones. With each of these activities, be sure to watch your loved one for signs of fatigue, thirst, sunburn, and overheating that could signal it’s time to leave, perhaps with a promise to return at another time.
Encourage Them to Participate
These ideas are just a springboard to get your mind thinking about outdoor fun! You know your loved one best. Ask them what they enjoyed most when they were younger. If they loved softball- take them to the softball park to watch some games and chant some cheers! Don’t be afraid to ask what they miss doing or what they’d like to revisit. They may not hear those questions very often. Remember that Williams Loving Care routinely accompanies seniors to their daily activities. We could easily incorporate some of their favorite pastimes into their daily or weekly routines! We would LOVE to, actually! Give us a call and let’s chat about it! 334.549.4009
It’s officially summertime and for the majority of 2020 and 2021 we’ve been cooped up in the house. Who has time for that? The sunshine is good for us and we NEED it! Our bodies crave it for the Vitamin D it provides. So we thought we would provide you with some fun activities to do with seniors! These fun activities work for you if you’re a caregiver or just a family friend! Finding a fun activity suitable for a senior’s abilities takes a little creativity and planning, but getting out of the house is well worth it!
The Benefits of Getting Outside
A main advantage of heading outdoors, even for a short period of time, is being able to soak up some sunlight. Sun exposure generates vitamin D, which is necessary for a healthy brain, bones and muscles. Some doctors even prescribe sunlight as a source of vitamin D, which research has shown can improve cognitive function and mood.
Being outside provides mental and emotional benefits, too. Getting out enables elders to socialize with new people, and many outdoor activities provide opportunities for interacting with children and animals. Such activities can give people an extra spring in their step and rejuvenate them, says Christina Chartrand, vice president of training and staff development for Senior Helpers, a nationwide in-home care company.
Ideas for Outdoor Activities
When choosing your activities, focus on hobbies and interests that your loved ones enjoy and get creative with new options they might find fun and rewarding.
- Catch a sporting event. Attending a grandchild’s soccer game or a professional baseball game can be an action-packed way for your loved one to reconnect with one of their favorite pastimes.
- Fish for fun. You can cast a rod from a dock, pier, or other location, even if someone has mobility problems or uses a wheelchair.
- Take a dip. For some folks, this might entail putting a foot in the pool, while others may be able to handle low-impact water aerobics. If a senior is willing and able, spending some time in the pool is an excellent way for them to incorporate some physical activity into their routine that seems more like relaxing than a workout.
- Stroll around. If a walk is possible, start slow and work up to longer routes. If necessary, have a walker or cane accessible just in case!
- Be an animal lover. This could be as simple as bird watching, or it could be a trip to the zoo or local dog park. There are plenty of options for seniors who enjoy animals to get outside and either interact with or observe nature.
- Get Outdoors. Picnics are another flexible activity that you can plan at a park or in your own backyard. Make sure to locate an area with comfortable seating and plenty of shade in advance, or remember to bring your own.
- Attend community events. From Memorial Day concerts to Fourth of July parades and fireworks, there are plenty of community events during spring and summer that offer opportunities for elders to get out and be part of the crowd.
- Ice cream? Yes, Please! Seniors LOVE sweets!! Have you noticed?! Most seniors have a favorite snack or restaurant that picks their spirits right up. Get an ice cream cone from the local Dairy Queen, a coffee and pastry from a favorite breakfast spot, or a lunch special from the diner around the corner. If the weather is nice, enjoy your goodies at a patio table.
Older bodies don’t adjust to temperature changes or perceive thirst as well as younger ones. With each of these activities, be sure to watch your loved one for signs of fatigue, thirst, sunburn, and overheating that could signal it’s time to leave, perhaps with a promise to return at another time.
Encourage Them to Participate
These ideas are just a springboard to get your mind thinking about outdoor fun! You know your loved one best. Ask them what they enjoyed most when they were younger. If they loved softball- take them to the softball park to watch some games and chant some cheers! Don’t be afraid to ask what they miss doing or what they’d like to revisit. They may not hear those questions very often. Remember that Williams Loving Care routinely accompanies seniors to their daily activities. We could easily incorporate some of their favorite pastimes into their daily or weekly routines! We would LOVE to, actually! Give us a call and let’s chat about it! 334.549.4009