It’s already August, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the summer! Here are some ideas for you:
Read a good book
There’s nothing like a good book to help you escape the daily routine of life. In just seconds you could be embroiled in a mystery in post-war Barcelona (The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron), follow the exploits of a retired English actor living in an isolated village by the sea (The Sea, The Seaby Iris Murdoch), or head up Mt. Everest in an ill-fated journey (Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer). If these titles don’t strike your fancy, visit Amazon’s list of 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime. Or browse your local library—in person or on their website—to find books or e-books for your e-reader.
Go to a movie
Similar to a book, a good movie provides a wonderful escape into another world, as well as the summer heat. There’s nothing quite like sitting in a quiet and cool movie theater (take in the first matinee of the day to help ensure the smallest crowds) to lose yourself for a couple of hours.
Pretend you’re a tourist in your own home town
If you live a fairly good-sized city, there’s almost certainly something you haven’t done that many tourists have. Seek out the things that have been right in your backyard, but that you simply haven’t had the inclination to explore. If you live in a small town and it seems like you’ve done it all, go into a restaurant you haven’t been to for a while and treat yourself to a fancy lunch with friends.
Take a road trip
If you can get around and are able to get out of the house comfortably, consider taking a road trip to a nearby town, park or national landmark. Go to your state fair or just go shopping in a nearby quaint town. Breaking one’s routine goes a long way in beating the summertime blues.
Learn a new language
Taking a class at a local community college or university is a great way to meet new people, open up your world to new ideas, and exercising the brain. Learning a new language is one of the ways to strengthen the brain. According to the American Academy of Neurology, being bilingual can protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia—even if you study the new language later in life. If you live in a more remote area without access to summer courses, there are many options (including free ones!) to learn a new language online.
Redecorate your living space
Finally, to shake things up a bit, redo your living room or bedroom. Even rearranging existing furniture can make your home seem brand new. For those who are more ambitious, paint the walls a new color and order new window dressings or a new bedspread. Sometimes the smallest things can ignite a creative spark that can lead to even more creative changes.
One of the things our home care professionals are happy to do is take your loved one to places they enjoy – everything from movies to church to golf to museums. Most communities have a wide variety of activities geared toward seniors, and many even have special activities for those with brain disease or limited vision. Contact Assisting Hands of Columbus, OH and learn how to keep your loved ones busy and happy this summer. Add life to their years, and peace of mind to your life.
Source: Assisting Hands Home Care in association with IlluminAge. Copyright © IlluminAge.
