Spring is finally here! For us here in the south, we are thankful that the winter temperatures are behind us and that the warm weather is here with all of the crisp mornings and cool evenings! Life during the spring is in full bloom and we love it! Our days are longer and warmer and you may be feeling more energized!
At Williams Loving Care, we work with families and caregivers that take care of seniors and we want to be a resource for all of them! Here are some activities to take full advantage of the warmer days!
1. TAKE A WALK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
It is very well known that seniors need to have a physical fitness routine in order to stay active. If you don’t have a physical fitness routine, now is a great time to look into one! Start by taking a walk outside, on flat grounds, to be safe. Early in the morning before the sun comes out is a very peaceful time. You shouldn’t overheat and the air should be nice and crisp. It’s always advisable to hydrate plenty before and after your walks. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, grab a friend or explore a new park with your grandchildren so that you are exercising mind, body, and soul!
2. ATTEND LOCAL FARMER’S MARKETS
Who doesn’t love the local farmer’s market? Farmer’s markets are for more than just shopping these days. Now you can socialize, get some fresh air, some ice cream and grocery shop all while energetic kiddos and maybe some cute farm animals are playing nearby! Basically, farmer’s markets can be a lot of fun, so certainly check yours out! Bring home some fresh flowers to brighten your living space or learn how to prepare a new type of vegetable. Consider having neighbors or friends over for a picnic showcasing your fresh finds at the local farmers market!
3. TAKE UP GARDENING
Gardening is a great activity for seniors in the spring. Bringing mobility, increased immunity, and a reduced risk of depression, gardening is one way to draw seniors outdoors with purposeful and meaningful activity. If mobility is limited, consider a raised bed garden or even a potted plant garden.
4. SPRING CLEAN YOUR HOUSE
This is a great season to go through drawers and closets, sorting, organizing, and donating things you don’t need anymore. Invite friends and family over to help you and make it a social event. Getting rid of unnecessary items can reduce the risk of falls and reduce anxiety. This is a great time to go through outdoor storage units and give items away, especially if you are preparing for a move to senior living.
5. SPEND TIME WITH GRANDCHILDREN
Spring is a great time to revisit your own childhood with your grandchildren! Fly a kite, explore a new park, draw with sidewalk chalk, or plan a pickup a baseball game with the neighborhood. You’ll love the weather, the time outside, and you will cultivate meaningful memories with the people you love.
6. FEED THE BIRDS
Nothing says spring like birds chirping. Grab your binoculars for a close up and spend the day bird watching. Grab a few bird feeders to hang outside, drawing the birds to your front porch. Make it a hobby to learn more about your new visitors and seek them out in nature. Something some people do not know… hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, but you shouldn’t add red dye to their food because it could harm them. This interesting fact is also the reason that most hummingbird feeders are designed with red, and so that you don’t need to mix red dye to their food.
7. ATTEND A LOCAL FESTIVAL
Spring means that local festivals are back! Check your local news and events sites to find local festivals that feature seasonal cuisine, local bands, and more. This is a great activity to attend with friends or even bring grandchildren.
How do you plan to make the most of your time this spring? Share your ideas with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!