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Activities For Seniors? The summer months are just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about activities for your senior loved one. While you might think activities like golf, shuffleboard, or going on a cruise ship would be perfect, these activities can be too strenuous for seniors who don’t have mobility impairments.
However, there are plenty of fun activities that can keep your senior active this summer without breaking a sweat! Here is a look at 5 easy activities that will make your loved one happy this summer season:
5 ways to keep your senior active this summer
The summer is a great time to get out and about and enjoy some fresh air. However, when the weather turns extremely hot, everyone needs to be conscious of their activity level when having fun in the sun.
Why is it important for seniors to be kept active? Seniors who are inactive can be prone to heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. But that’s not all. Inactivity can also lead to obesity and if mental decline has started? It can rapidly take hold.
Luckily, there are activities that will keep your loved one active this summer!
Senior citizens and children especially need to focus on staying hydrated and beating the heat whenever possible. Still, summer activities for seniors do not have to be solely indoor experiences. By doing a little research, even they can get outside, get moving and enjoy the warmer months. Here are a few ideas to get things going:
A Morning Walk
The morning is a great time to get outside and talk a nice stroll. Before the afternoon sun starts beating down harshly on the pavement and the day is still relatively cool, planning a walk around the neighborhood is a great form of exercise.
However, if a hiking trail has some good stable terrain, such as paving stones or crushed limestone, getting some time with nature is a great idea. Hiking trails should be researched for length and material prior to embarking on any journey, though, just to make sure the trip can be completed before things start to get too hot to handle.
Activities For Seniors: Go Swimming
Taking a dip in the pool is a great way to cool off, and even senior citizens can benefit from the activity of being in the water. A quick check of available public pools will often reveal special senior hours where the facility is at its disposal. Plus, hanging out with the grandkids at their backyard pool is a great way to enhance the family bonds.
Just follow the general pool safety rules: no running, stay near the wall and wear water shoes to avoid slipping on wet surfaces. Above all, never, ever swim alone.
You can take a trip to the beach too. Surfside activities are often less intense during the day and can be a great way to get some exercise. Of course, just like with any other activity involving water, make sure your senior loved one is wearing sunscreen while on the beach so they don’t burn or develop skin cancer.
Take Day Trips
Summer is a great time to grab the family and take a day trip to the zoo or even just the park. Even packing up for a picnic lunch can be a great time if the weather does not want to cooperate; simply head out to a local mall and move the party to the food court or a restaurant.
Even checking out a movie or two at the local multiplex (taking advantage of the senior citizen discount) can be a great way to spend the lazy summer afternoons.
If you are dealing with declining mental issues, things like museums or free concerts are a perfect fit! It has been proven that activities such as these can improve mood and motivation as both colors and music make a huge impact.
Your local Parks and Rec guide might have fun events to a local town via bus for day trips at a budget price. Museums, aquariums, and even casinos might be available for activities to keep your loved one active this summer.
Don’t knock casinos before you try them – they often have great shows and incredible buffets! Some even have great cultural museums. You can spend a day there and never touch a slot machine.
Activities For Seniors: Try Volunteering
Recent developments in the economy have presented a number of places to volunteer. Many seniors have great life experience that allows them to be experts on a variety of topics. What better way to whittle down the summer days than by sharing those experiences with others?
Just about every church or civic organization is constantly looking for volunteers. Generally, a simple phone call can produce several opportunities for summer activities.
Schools are usually begging for help with the younger kids. I know COVID has changed a few protocols, but with the vaccinations, there is hope that schools will be open to volunteers soon.
Take Up A New Hobby
Trying something new is a great way to exercise the mind. Often the mental acuity is involved in learning a new pastime. Everything from arts and crafts to new sports is really on the table.
Sometimes even spending the winter making a list of things to try in the summer is a great way to figure out exactly what to do. Sometimes, the best things are discovered later in life and present new challenges. It is never too late to try something totally unfamiliar.
To sum it all up, it is important that seniors never stop activities. The summer months present a number of opportunities to enjoy time with loved ones, partake in activities available at any hour, and try new things. The only thing standing in their way? The knowledge of what all they could be doing.
Other articles you may find helpful:
- Medication Safety for Aging Parents: A Comprehensive Guide
- Activity Boards for Dementia Patients: Improving Cognitive Function and Quality of Life
- Flex Card Benefits for Seniors: Understanding the Perks and Savings
- Vitamin B12 Dosage for Seniors: Recommended Intake for Healthy Aging
- Core Strengthening Exercises for Seniors: A Guide to Improved Stability and Health
