Enjoying warm summer temperatures doesn’t have to be a distant memory for elders and their caregivers. Finding an interesting activity that is suitable for an older adult’s abilities may take some creativity and planning, but it is well worth switching up your routine and getting out of the house.
The Benefits of Getting Outside
A main advantage of heading outdoors, even for a short period of time, is being able to soak up some sunlight. Sun exposure generates vitamin D, which is necessary for a healthy brain, bones, and muscles. Some doctors even prescribe sunlight as a source of vitamin D, which research has shown can improve cognitive function and mood. Older adults, especially those who are homebound or whose exposure to sunlight is limited, are at high risk for vitamin D insufficiency.
In addition to the physical benefits of natural sunlight and fresh air, being outside provides mental and emotional benefits. Getting out enables elders to socialize with new people, and many outdoor activities provide opportunities for interacting with children, nature, and animals. Such activities can give people an extra spring in their step and rejuvenate them, says Christina Chartrand, vice president of learning and development for Senior Helpers, a nationwide in-home care company.
Outdoor Activities for Seniors
When selecting an activity to do with your loved one, focus on hobbies and interests they used to enjoy and get creative with new options they might find fun and rewarding. Of course, be sure to stay current on CDC guidance as well as federal, state and local regulations regarding COVID-19. Taking proper precautions (like getting vaccinated and boosted) will protect you, your loved one, and others from getting sick while enjoying your summer.
Catch a Sporting Event
Attending a grandchild’s soccer game or a professional baseball game can be an action-packed way for your loved one to reconnect with one of their favorite pastimes.Fish for Fun
Even if an elder has mobility problems or uses a wheelchair, you can still cast a rod from a dock, pier, or other location. Check your state’s tourism or parks and recreation websites to see if they provide listings of ADA compliant fishing locations. Many areas across the country have also started offering all-terrain wheelchairs for check out or rental that can help a loved one with mobility issues get closer to the water.Be a Tourist
If you live in a city, take an open-air bus or trolley tour to see the local sights. Another option could be a boat tour, depending on what type of equipment an elder needs to take with them.
“It gets you both outside, but you don’t necessarily have to be walking,” Chartrand says.
A Sunday drive around town can also allow a senior to check out happenings in the community that interest them. This could be new construction, blooming flowers and trees, or even festivals and community events.Take a Dip
For some folks, this might entail putting a foot in the pool, while others may be able to handle low-impact water aerobics. If a senior is willing and able, spending some time in the pool is an excellent way for them to incorporate some physical activity into their routine that seems more like relaxing than a workout.Stroll Around
If a walk is possible, start slow and work up to longer outings. Consider bringing along a walker or wheelchair in case your loved one gets tired and needs to rest along the way or requires help getting back.Be an Animal Lover
This could be as simple as encouraging a loved one to sit outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of a birdhouse, bird feeder, or bird bath in the yard, or it could mean an outing to the zoo or a local dog park. There are plenty of options for seniors who enjoy animals to get outside and either interact with or observe nature.Go Fly a Kite
Head to a park or beach and get a kite soaring. Let your loved one take control, which they can do while sitting down. If children are around, they can get involved by trying to keep the kite in the air.Picnic Outdoors
Picnics are another flexible activity that you can plan at a park, in your own backyard, or on the surrounding grounds of a long-term care facility. At the park, seniors can watch children run around and enjoy the buzz of outdoor activity. Make sure to locate an area with comfortable seating and plenty of shade in advance, or remember to bring your own.Attend Community Events
From Fourth of July parades and fireworks to Labor Day block parties, there are plenty of community events during summer that offer opportunities for elders to get out and be part of the crowd. Many communities offer outdoor musical performances, art shows, car shows, flea markets, festivals, and more. Peruse the events section of the local newspaper to find happenings that fit your loved one’s interests and abilities.Go Out for a Treat
Most seniors have a favorite snack or restaurant that picks their spirits right up. Instead of limiting this indulgence to special occasions or the post-doctor’s appointment routine, make an outing out of it just because. This could consist of getting an ice cream cone from the local Dairy Queen, a coffee and pastry from a favorite breakfast spot, or a lunch special from the diner around the corner. If the weather is nice, enjoy your goodies at a patio table.
Remember that older adults are more sensitive to temperature changes and tend to have a weakened thirst mechanism. With each of these activities, be sure to watch your loved one for signs of fatigue, dehydration, sunburn, and overheating that could signal it’s time to leave, perhaps with a promise to return at another time.
Encourage Them to Participate
Use these ideas as a springboard. You know your loved one best. What did they enjoy when they were younger? What is something they always wanted to try? Don’t be afraid to ask what they miss doing or what they’d like to explore. Most elders don't hear these kinds of questions very often. You may encounter some resistance, so just say with a smile that it would make you very happy to embark on an outing together. Have a couple suggestions prepared to choose from and head outside to enjoy the day and each other’s company.