Senior-Friendly Outdoor Activities for the Summer

The smell of a hot barbeque, the bright shine of the sun, and the sound of splashing in the pool – it’s summer time! As temperatures rise outside, aging adults may be ready to enjoy some time in the sun doing their favorite outdoor activities. In fact, fun outdoor activities are great for seniors’ health, providing mental and physical benefits such as decreased stress and anxiety and increased vitamin D exposure.

However, with so much fun to be had in these soaring temperatures, it’s important that aging adults are equipped with senior-friendly outdoor activities that are safe while still being exciting and entertaining. 

Here are a few senior-friendly outdoor activities for the summer that can help aging adults live their lives to the fullest while enjoying the many benefits of time outdoors:

1. Swimming/water aerobics – With the flaring temperatures of summer, it’s always nice for seniors to be able to cool down while getting some sunshine. Supervised swimming or water aerobics is a great way to stay cool while also getting great exercise. The water activities can help those with stiff joints or arthritis, as well as increase bone density and muscle mass. Consider sun protection in the pool with a shirt covering the senior’s bathing suit, sunscreen, and a hat.
2. Going for a walk – There’s something special about a leisurely stroll at the beginning or end of the day, watching the sunrise or sunset when the temperature isn’t too high. Daily walks can also help maintain mobility, strengthen bones, and serve as a major mood booster. Try a walk around the neighborhood or your local park to start.
3. Gardening – Did Dad have a green thumb back in the day? Was Mom always excited to pick her first tomato of the season when you were a kid? Well, try to get them outside this summer with gardening activities. Not only will this be a great way to get fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet, but it’s also a great way to keep their minds stimulated, remain in touch with their interests, and get their bodies moving during the summer! If traditional gardening requires more mobility than they can commit to, get creative with potted plants or a hydroponics kit.
4. Outdoor reading – Seniors can combine the benefits of the great outdoors with the benefits of reading by finding a shady tree and digging into their favorite novel. Getting lost in a story will help reduce stress and add some extra entertainment to their day. And of course, the mental stimulation from reading is always helpful as well. 

If a senior you love wants to get outside this summer, these senior-friendly outdoor activities can help! However, there are safety tips to remember that can help aging adults avoid any heat-related emergencies.

• Stay hydrated – Water is essential to summer fun. Whether it’s healthy fruit juice, whole fruits and vegetables, or just regular H2O, it’s vital that seniors stay hydrated, especially if they’re going to be spending time outside in the heat.
• Keep clothing light – Wearing loose, light clothing can help seniors avoid retaining      body heat so that they can stay as cool as possible in the sun.
• Sunscreen! – The sun has so many health benefits for seniors, but it can also be damaging if the appropriate precautions aren’t in place. Make sure that seniors have applied sunscreen liberally before going out in the sun, and be sure to bring the bottle with you in case they need to reapply at some point!

With these tips for senior-friendly outdoor activities, the seniors in your life should be well on their way to a fun-filled, exciting summer! And if you need help making sure the seniors you love can spend time outside every day or with making sure they are taking the right safety steps, My Personal Home Health Care can help!

Our customizable home care in Bristol, and all of Massachusetts, can help seniors live their lives      to the fullest this summer. We even offer companionship services if older adults would benefit from a friend to try these activities with! Learn about options for in-home care for in-home care in Hingham, Weston, Concord, Sherborn, Brookline, Newton, Lexington, Plymouth, Norwell, Belmont and Mashpee and see our full service area to see communities we serve across all of Massachusetts. If you’d like to learn more, contact us online to schedule your free in-home consultation!