As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, seniors should be encouraged to go outside and enjoy the pleasant weather. A few hours of sunshine can increase vitamin D production and boost mood. Here are six outdoor activities perfect for the season.
1. Walking
For mobile seniors, spring is the perfect time of year for outdoor exercise. They should take advantage of the mild temperatures and take brisk walks around the block or at the local park. The cardiovascular activity boosts heart health, builds muscle mass, and helps with maintaining mobility levels. Seniors may also get a chance to socialize if they encounter friends and neighbors on their daily walks, which can boost emotional health, especially if they’ve been relatively isolated during the long winter months.
Although some elderly people have mobility challenges that make them unable to get out on their own, they can still socialize and enjoy the outdoors with the help of professional caregivers. Elder care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Gardening
Whether a senior has a backyard, a simple window planter, or access to a community garden, gardening is a great springtime activity. It’s an effective form of exercise for seniors who don’t enjoy going to the gym. The activities of gardening, from digging in the dirt to planting the seeds, work the muscles and raise the heart rate. Gardening can also have a meditation-like effect on mental wellbeing. The repetitive rhythmic movements involved in gardening can be an effective form of stress relief, and seniors often feel calmer after spending time in their gardens.
3. Fishing
As spring approaches, seniors who love to fish should grab their gear and head to their local fishing spots. Mobile seniors may enjoy taking boats out on the water, but wheelchair-bound fishing enthusiasts can join in the fun as well. To assist seniors with mobility issues, caregivers should look for wheelchair-accessible fishing spots in their areas. Many parks have piers and bridges designed to accommodate people with mobility limitations.
4. Hitting the Local Landmarks
History buffs may enjoy visiting local landmarks and historical sites. Caregivers can research historically significant sites in the area, ranging from battlegrounds to architecturally significant houses. Warm spring days are an excellent time to tour historic mansions, many of which have extensive well-maintained gardens.
If you usually accompany your loved one on outings but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver take over for you. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Columbus families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
5. Installing a Bird Feeder in the Backyard
For senior bird-watchers, springtime presents many exciting bird-watching opportunities. While hiking expeditions to local trails may offer the best sights, setting up a bird feeder in the backyard can attract plenty of colorful bird varieties. For seniors with grandkids, making homemade bird feeders can be a fun bonding activity. Seniors should find fun DIY bird feeder projects—options range from pine cone feeders to wreath feeders. The whole family can join in to make the bird feeder and then install it in a visible part of the yard when it’s finished.
6. Heading to the Farmers Market
When seniors tire of their usual walking routes, they should head to nearby farmers markets. Farmers markets give seniors a great reason to go outside and get some fresh air and sunshine, and they’re also stocked with healthy fruits and vegetables. Seniors are sure to enjoy spending their weekend mornings wandering through produce stalls and selecting their favorite foods.
Enjoying outdoor activities helps seniors boost their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, but some may need a bit of assistance getting out and about. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust Columbus home care service professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she manages an illness and performs the daily tasks of living. If your loved one needs professional care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us today.