Spring is a great time of year for seniors to engage in outdoor activities that promote their health and well-being – the weather is warmer (but not too hot), the flowers are in bloom, and everyone is defrosting after their winter hibernation.
Getting elderly relatives and friends outdoors can be challenging for some, however. In this article, we’ve outlined some local activities that the seniors in your life might find enjoyable this spring.
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1. Take a walk
One of the easiest and simplest ways to get outside and enjoy the sunshine is by taking a walk. From exploring your local neighbourhood to finding a scenic walking trail, there are ample opportunities to get out and about. On the plus side, walking is a low-intensity activity that is great for strengthening the heart, improving circulation, and boosting our mood.
2. Gardening
Tending the garden can be an enjoyable and convenient form of exercise for seniors. They could plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs – whatever they’re interested in and would find the most rewarding. Container gardens or raised beds can make gardening accessible for those with limited mobility, or opt for an indoor garden if space is an issue.
3. Exercise
Keeping active is important as we age, and spring is the perfect time to exercise outdoors. Seniors could join a low-intensity fitness class, such as tai chi or water aerobics, or they could take up a sport, such as golf or lawn bowls – all of which are great for socialisation, too. Those who already have good activity levels might like to try bike riding or hiking.
4. Birdwatching
Also known as ‘birding’, this can be an enjoyable pastime for seniors and their loved ones. Whether you do it on nature walks or while sitting on a park bench, you can learn more about local birdlife (and perhaps even observe the chicks once they’ve hatched). If you prefer to stay close to home, install a bird feeder in the garden and see what’s around.
5. Visit markets
After a winter hiatus, many local farmers’ markets are back up and running. This is a great way to get outdoors and do the shopping – discover fresh seasonal produce, locally made preserves, delicious baked goods, and even decor and homewares from local artisans. Some markets also have live music and other performances to enjoy.
6. Spring cleaning
It may not sound like the most enjoyable of activities, but spring cleaning can be a very rewarding task, leaving seniors feeling productive and accomplished. Decluttering and reorganising your living space can help to create a sense of order, as well as reduce stress. You might like to have your family or care worker step in to help.
7. Spend time with family and friends
Spring is home to a number of special events and traditions that seniors might like to celebrate with family and friends. These include Easter, St Patrick’s Day, May Day, and the Beltane Fire Festival. Organise a get together in a local park or at someone’s house, with food and gifts and other traditions that your family follows.
8. Indoor activities
While the weather is certainly nicer as a whole, spring can still be a little unpredictable, so having some indoor activities up your sleeve is a good idea. Reading is always a good hobby, but why not take the opportunity to start a new hobby, such as knitting or chess? Joining a class or group where you can do this activity together is also beneficial.
Why take up local social activities?
Some seniors aren’t interested in participating in local or social activities, but it’s important to do your best to encourage them. This is a great way for them to maintain social connections, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation (particularly important if they live alone). Taking part in social activities has also been shown to help people stay sharp in later life.
Find support and companionship with myCare
While these activities are enriching ways for seniors to spend their time, it’s important to recognise that there may be days when they require extra support and/or companionship. The passionate team at myCare provide in-home care services that are tailored to the unique needs of our clients, helping them to retain as much independence as possible. If you or a loved one require extra support, please reach out for more information.
