Spending time outdoors is important for everyone, but is especially important for seniors. Exposure to natural daylight has been shown to do wonders to improve mood and energy levels. If you can manage to get in some physical activity while you’re outside, it’s even better! With summer weather just around the corner, let’s take a look at ways for seniors to have fun and enjoy the outdoors this season.
Outdoor Summer Activities for Seniors
When you plan to spend some time outdoors, it’s important to make sure it’s something your loved one will want to participate in. Think about their interests, fitness level, and the temperature, since some may not be able to stay out in the heat for too long. Here are a few ideas for how to spend time outdoors with the seniors in your life:
Go for a walk
Walking is a great way to get some cardio exercise in. It also happens to be a great way for seniors to get to know their neighbourhood! At first, they might want to stick to shorter walks throughout the day and work up to longer journeys. Start with a quick stroll around the block and then extend each walk a little further each time. Seniors can also make regular walks a social experience by inviting a friend to join them, or joining a walking group.
Get in the garden
Gardening is a great summer activity that can be incredibly rewarding. Growing flowers, herbs, and veggies can be fun and challenging. Gardening keeps the mind sharp, too. When seniors learn about how to take care of different plants, it provides great exercise for the brain, and thinking about what needs to be done to maintain them keeps the mind working hard too. Of course, maintaining the garden is a great way to get in some light exercise. Gardening is also a great social activity. At Bria Communities, we have garden clubs where residents can work on their gardens and spend time together.
Plan a picnic
On a sunny day, there’s nothing more fun than a picnic! This is an excellent way for the whole family to spend some time together. First, choose your location. You could head to a favorite spot in a park or at the beach, or pick a new spot to explore together. Next, ask your loved one to come up with some ideas for food and snacks to bring. Once you have the menu planned, get the kids involved meal prep and packing everything up. Then, head out for a day of food, family, and fun! At Bria Communities, we often host summer social gatherings outside, which gives residents the chance to enjoy some food, fun, and friends outdoors.
Play yard games
Yard games are fun for people of all ages, which makes them ideal for the whole family. Choose a game that both kids and seniors can play together. Some great options include: bocce ball, badminton, beanbag toss, or horseshoes. The best thing about yard games is that many sets are portable, which means you can easily set them up in a backyard or at the park.
Cool off with a swim
Swimming is an excellent way for seniors to get exercise. The water creates a fantastic low stress workout that is gentle on bones and joints. The water also adds in some resistance, which is great for cardio and improves muscle tone. Of course, it’s also a fantastic way to cool off on a hot day.
Attend a community event
The warm summer weather brings all types of celebrations outside. There’s always something going on, such as outdoor movies, farmer’s markets, holiday celebrations, food festivals, outdoor concerts, car shows, and more! Follow us on Facebook to find out more about senior-friendly activities in Metro Vancouver.
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