June 9, 2021
The sky is blue, temperatures are warmer, grass is greener, and the birds are chirping. Summer is finally here. It’s the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air — especially after a year of being cooped up during a pandemic.
Other than going for a walk or sitting outside catching up with a loved one, what can you do to take advantage of the nicer weather? There are plenty of outdoor activities for seniors. Try something you already know you love, or step out of your comfort zone with something new. The choice is yours.
Here are a few summer activities for seniors to enjoy this year:
Want to calm your mind and ease anxiety? Bird-watching is a perfect activity. Grab a friend and take a walk through a scenic area such as a metro park, marsh, or walking trail. Bring a pair of binoculars with you. Keep a lookout for different bird species. Go slowly, and use this outing as a soothing opportunity to connect with nature.
It’s fruit-picking season! If you love seasonal fruits like strawberries, raspberries, apples, cherries and more, you’ll enjoy fruit picking. Not only does it give you a chance to venture outside and get moving, but it also allows you to pick deliciously ripe fruit you can take home to eat, bake or cook. Ask a loved one to go with you so you can enjoy some quality time together, too.
Grab a basket or cooler. Pack it with to-go foods you love like sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, cheese and crackers, or other goodies. Make sure to also pack drinks like water, lemonade or iced tea to stay hydrated. Grab utensils, paper plates and napkins, and then snag a comfortable blanket. Now all you need is someone to picnic with! Take along a loved one, and you’ll have all you need for a lovely lunch outside.
If you have free time and you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, summer is the perfect time to volunteer. Think about a place or a cause that has special meaning to you. If the volunteer opportunity is near and dear to your heart, the overall experience will be more impactful to you. Consider one of these ideas:
If you’re not sure where to look, ask a family member or friend if they know about any local volunteer opportunities. Check with your senior living community to see if they offer anything as well.
No matter how long you’ve lived in your town, you can be a tourist for a day by changing your perspective. Do some research and find out whether your town offers tours, such as open-air bus, trolley or boat tours. If your town doesn’t, check to see whether a nearby city (within driving distance) does. Ask a loved one to attend with you. Sit back and enjoy the tour — who knows, you might just learn something new about where you live.
Who says you have to be a child to fly a kite? Grab a family member or friend (and don’t forget a kite), and then walk to a nearby park or beach. Let the nostalgia rush over you as you watch the kite soar through the air. Use this moment to get some fresh air, but also set aside any worries or anxieties that are weighing you down. Make an extra effort to be in the moment.
Summer is a time to take advantage of the beauty nature gives us each year. Get outside and find local activities for seniors that calm the mind, refresh the soul, and/or get the body moving. There are plenty of activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
At Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, we’re committed to providing you or your loved one with personalized care so you can live a healthier, more purposeful life. Our senior living communities offer you or your loved one wellness and learning activities, social opportunities and high-quality care from our dedicated staff members.
Contact us today to learn more about our senior living options and explore how you or your loved one can live each day with meaning — right from the start.
© Episcopal SeniorLife Communities 2024
Content by Sally Dixon Concepts & Copy
Photography by WalterColleyImages.com
