This summer, encourage your senior loved one — or even if you’re a senior yourself — to take advantage of the good weather and find fun activities outside.
Now that we’re in the full summer months, it’s time to take advantage of the longer days and warm, sunny mornings. Nature is calling and it’s time to answer!
Here are five ways to help the seniors in your life enjoy the summer. Whether you’re a senior or you have a loved one who is a senior, it’s time to get outside.
- Enjoy a walk in the great outdoors
A walk gets you outside into the fresh air and nature. It’s good for both the mind and bodies of seniors.
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends exercise such as a vigorous walk as a means of boosting your immune system. An added benefit is helping with your memory and creativity.
We strongly recommend a walk outside, but it’s all about the timing of it. Take advantage of the cooler parts of the day such as the early morning or the evening when the sun sits low on the horizon.
Find someone or a group to walk with if you are an extrovert. For introverts, a walk is a great time to enjoy solitude and the sounds of nature.
2) 45 million bird watchers can’t be wrong
In the U.S., about one in seven people identify as fans of bird watching. That means an estimated 45 million people in the U.S. love to watch the birds.
Watching birds is a fun, relaxing way to enjoy nature. Technically, you don’t even have to go outside on the hot summer days but early in the morning is a perfect time to watch and listen to the songbirds.
You can also watch for other wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, or even deer. Depending on the environment, you may be surprised at what you see and hear!
3) Beat the heat in the pool
Heading for the swimming is a perfect way to combine cooling off with exercise. Both swimming and water aerobics are easy on the joints and and a healthy form of exercise, especially for those who may struggle with arthritis or stiff joints.
Exercising in the pool helps with bone density and studies have shown that it may also lower your pain.
4) Exercise your mind
Another way to enjoy nature is to read a book in the cool of the morning or in the evening after the hottest part of the day is past. Find a shady spot and have a glass of ice water with you.
Book clubs are an entryway into reading if you don’t have something specific in mind. It’s a great way to socialize, but you can also enjoy quiet time with a book if that’s your thing.
You also have many other options to exercise your mind. These include puzzles, crosswords or other word games. Any or all of these options helps your mind, your concentration and memory. They also give you cognitive benefits.
5) Try painting or another new hobby
You’re never too old to try something new. Give painting a shot or try a craft such as knitting or sewing. It will be fun and it’s also a way to boost your mood and stimulate the senses.
A CARING-FIRST ENVIRONMENT
Senior living communities like Bellaire at Stone Port are precisely that—a community. Residents become friends and even family, and a caring team is there to help them maintain their quality of life.
At Bellaire at Stone Port, we offer both Assisted Living and Memory Care and we care with Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Residents first and Teamwork. We like to call it Caring with H.E.A.R.T.™!
If you believe a senior living community would benefit your loved one, get in touch with us. Schedule a visit or download a brochure today!