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September 20, 2022We’ve reached the time of year when summer temperatures begin to skyrocket, making it hard for certain groups of people to spend much time outside. Seniors, especially, tend to spend more time indoors opting for more sedentary activities to avoid the sweltering heat outside. Although the temperatures are much higher this time of year, it’s still important to find safe activities to enjoy outside as often as possible.
By choosing appropriate activities and properly managing outside activities for seniors they get the joy of all the fun the summer months can bring, even as the heat and humidity outdoors rises. No matter what type of activity your senior loved one chooses to engage in, it’s vital to take all necessary precautions. Ensure they are wearing seasonally appropriate clothing, use sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and have access to shade protection from the sun. It’s also important to encourage them to spend time outdoors as often as they possibly can.
Here are a few fun activities senior adults can enjoy outside during the hot months of summer.
Swimming
There are few activities that scream “summer” more than taking a dip in the pool. It’s an easy and relaxing way to be outside when it’s hot, and is an activity enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s the perfect activity for seniors with minor or no mobility issues. Not only will senior adults enjoy spending time cooling off in the hot weather, they also gain the added benefit of physical exercise without the added stress to the joints and bones.
If your senior loved one resides in an assisted living facility, they may already have access to a community pool. If not, local pools and recreation centers like the YMCA have pools that are accessible for seniors with lift chairs and handicap rails. Encourage your loved one to enroll in the Silver Sneakers program through Medicare – the YMCA membership is free of charge!
Walk the block
Summer is the perfect time of year to encourage your senior loved one to begin a regular walking routine. It may not be the first activity that comes to mind when thinking of outdoor summer activities, but it is a great activity that can be comfortably enjoyed when the right precautions are taken. A quick lap or two around the neighborhood is not only a great mood booster, it also helps to maintain good cardiovascular health through low impact exercise. These walks also help your loved one stay connected to others in their community.
A good senior living facility offers outdoors walkways and outdoor community areas for sitting, conversing, reading, or dining. These areas are designed to accommodate those with mobility issues as well. Another option for those who require the use of a walker or wheelchair are local parks with flat, paved walking trails that are easily accessible for those who need assistance.
Gardening
The top two favorite outdoor summer activities for seniors are gardening and bird watching, with gardening claiming the #1 spot. As a matter of fact, gardening is so popular among seniors most assisted living and skilled nursing facilities offer community gardens for seniors to enjoy.
It may seem that gardening is a back breaking, labor intensive hobby but the opposite can be quite true. A good majority of garden centers carry various raised beds that sit on legs about waist high, and can be easily accessed while sitting if needed. If you can’t find one at your local garden center, there are plenty of plans available online to build one yourself. This type of gardening doesn’t require squatting on excessive bending allowing even seniors with mobility issues the opportunity to have a small flower or vegetable garden during peak gardening season. It’s best to do gardening chores in the morning or later evening hours when the temperatures aren’t as high, and to avoid the harshest rays from the sun. Added bonus – bird watching can easily be included when tending the garden bed!
Conclusion
It is important for seniors to stay active and engaged, regardless of the weather or season. We may think that as we get older, the days of outdoor “playtime” are over. When planned properly with the right precautions, the exact opposite can be true. There are so many activities that can be enjoyed during the hot days of summer by seniors including sitting under a shade tree at the park people watching or reading, touring a garden, and outdoor movies and concerts that can easily be enjoyed free of charge.
Since 1989, Elderberry Healthcare has served the needs of Madison County and the surrounding communities’ senior population. Many families in Madison County have experienced the compassionate care and attentiveness that our staff provides. We proudly care for a wide variety of individualized healthcare needs. With 3 distinct levels of care, we help seniors who need minimal support in our Assisted Living; around the clock nursing care in our Skilled Nursing Unit; and Transitional Rehabilitation services for post-operative patients like orthopedic knee and hip replacements. Contact us today to learn more.