8 Summer Activities Seniors and Caregivers Can Enjoy Together
Spring and summer are fantastic times of year because the weather is beautiful and the sun is shining! What better time to enjoy the great outdoors and make the most of the great weather? Even if their mental or physical capabilities vary, older folks can still enjoy a variety of summer activities and options. Here are a few fun summer activities that are suitable for seniors to engage in.
Get Outside and Enjoy Nature
With the snow gone and the chilly wind gone, summer is the ideal time to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. Older adults, whether mobile or in a wheelchair, may appreciate visiting a local park or nature reserve to experience the smells, views, and sounds of the area. Many spots, fortunately, have concrete walkways that may easily accommodate wheelchairs or other mobile equipment, allowing seniors to fully enjoy these nature hikes.
A nature walk does not have to be done alone; in fact, when family and friends join in, it is a terrific opportunity to interact while getting some exercise.
Walking with a companion is more fun for many seniors. When aging loved ones need companionship and socializing for a few hours a week or just need minimal assistance with daily domestic activities, respite care can be a good alternative for families in Maryland and DC. At Thrive USA Homecare, we take pride in assisting elders in maintaining their independence while remaining at home.
Take Up Gardening
When the weather warms up, numerous types of plants and plant life flourish. Cucumber, tomatoes, berries, and okra are all accessible not just in the store, but also in your own backyard!
Gardening is a wonderful way to spend your free time. You might discover your green thumb and save money by growing your own fresh vegetables in the comfort of your own home as you plant and maintain your garden. Seniors can garden what they believe is easiest for them to manage, whether it’s simply one or two indoor plants or a big outside garden full of alternatives.
Consider selling or giving away excess food to neighbors and friends to connect and engage with them. Gardening may produce a lot of things, and we’re not just talking about plants.
Visit a Farmers Market
Check out the fresh produce and flowers at the local farmer’s markets. Bring some fresh flowers home to brighten up your room, or learn how to cook new food. Invite your neighbors or friends over for a picnic with your fresh produce from the farmers’ market! Not sure where a local farmers market is? Here are local farmers’ markets suggested by Vist Maryland.
Feed the Birds!
Birds chirping is synonymous with spring. Spend the day bird watching or buy bird feeders to hang outside your front door to attract birds. Make learning more about your new visitors a hobby by searching for them in nature.
Fly a Kite
It can be difficult to enjoy kite flying when the winter winds blow. However, many sites, such as parks and fields, have pleasant summer breezes that are ideal for kite flying.
Kite flying is a fun activity for seniors to do with their children, grandchildren, or friends. Watching your kite take to the sky is both pleasant and challenging at the same time. Test yourself by seeing how high or how long you can keep your kite flying. This is a terrific opportunity to meet new people while also getting a low-impact workout for your arms and legs.
Do Some Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to encourage your senior to get rid of clutter. Make this chore more special by sifting through old photos and keepsakes together. This frequently leads to enjoyable hours spent reminiscing about fond memories.
Attend Community Events
There are many community activities during the summer that offer opportunities for elders to get out and be part of the crowd, from Memorial Day parades and July 4th fireworks to Labor Day block parties. Outdoor musical performances, art fairs, car shows, flea markets, festivals, and other events are common in many areas. Look through the local newspaper’s events section for events that match your loved one’s interests and talents.
These are just some of the great spring and summer activities you can try with your senior loved ones this year.
Though it can be difficult for older folks to participate in outdoor activities or connect socially, Thrive USA Homecare is here to help. Many families decide to take on elder caregiving responsibilities, but there may come a time when they require the assistance of a reputable Maryland senior care provider.
Families occasionally need a break from their obligations so they can focus on other things, and some elders require round-the-clock help that their families cannot provide. Thrive USA is here to assist you. For a free consultation, call (301) 882-4717 today.