Healthy fun in the sun: outdoor summer activities for seniors

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After a long isolated winter, seniors are eager to get outdoors. It’s the perfect opportunity to help seniors develop healthy exercise habits.

Studies show that exercise mixed with Vitamin D (absorbed through sunlight exposure) reduces senior depression and anxiety. So take it outside with these summer activities for seniors.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Consider creating a veggie patch or flower garden with your seniors, if you don’t have one already. Between digging, weeding, and cutting plants, gardening provides light exercise. Gardening is one of the best summer activities for seniors because exercise is disguised as leisure.

Seniors can use the produce in their own kitchens or share with family and friends.

Take a Hike

Brisk walking is another one of the best summer activities for seniors. Change up the scenery. Take your loved one to a local walking trail or nature preserve. Seniors in wheelchairs can still benefit if you scout out a trail that’s paved and relatively flat.

Go for a Swim!

Summer activities for seniors that take place in water reduce the risk of injury by lessening joint impact. Seniors can float, swim, or take part in a light water aerobics class in a community pool or lake if restrictions allow. Water-based summer activities for seniors are also a great exercise option for those with arthritis or stiff joints.

Board Game Marathon

Invite seniors to each others homes to pick a few of their favorite board games and set up a game day/night. Put out snacks and drinks for everyone to enjoy with these indoor summer activities for seniors.

Make sure to have extra game pieces and dice on hand to keep gameday running smoothly.

Summertime Means Family Time

Plan special summer activities for seniors that bring the entire family together at your community. With a little food and some games, you have a recipe for a great time.

Family Barbecue or Picnic

Host a large BBQ for all the family. Make sure to invite young and old and in between. A safe family BBQ can create amazing memories for all involved, make sure to appoint someone on camera duty for the night to capture some precious moments.

Ice Cream Social

Summer isn’t complete without a good, old-fashioned ice cream. Young and old all like an Ice cream and it’s a great way to get together and enjoy each other’s company. Offer a few different flavours of ice cream and set up a “build your own sundae” bar. Put out toppings so seniors can indulge their sweet tooth.

At the present we are all looking forward to a return to normality over the coming months and we need to be conscious of our seniors as we return to our busy lives. Pencil in time in your diary each week to check in on your loved ones and keep in touch, someday they won’t be around and it will be too late to plan anything then. Seize the day!