The feeling of a breezy summer day complete with a clear sky and warm temperatures brings out the best in all of us. In addition to enjoying some time safely soaking up the sunlight and fresh air, including all of their wonderful benefits — getting outside helps seniors find new opportunities to socialize with new people and friends, as well as a chance to interact with children and animals.
Finding activities that balance fun with safety in the sun can give seniors an extra spring in their step and inspire them to try new things or even resume an old favorite hobby.
In case you are looking for some suggestions for how to enjoy the warmer seasons or spark that energy in a loved one, we have put together a list of our favorite ideas as a springboard to getting started.
Hit the Pool
Whether you’ve always had a knack for freestyle or you just see the pool as a place to relax, it’s a great way to feel that summer vibe and get some exercise, too. Find a local recreation center or pool and find a group class to try out, invite a few friends to enjoy a dip, or meet your family and feel firsthand the benefits of the water’s low impact no matter what age you are.
Join a Book Club
Books have always been a great way to experience new cultures, learn more about our past, or find a nice escape to a new world. If you enjoy reading, why not share your love with others that feel the same way by joining a book club.
Book clubs are great because they can inspire you to check out a book you may not have considered on your own while also encouraging a group of like-minded people who share a common interest to socialize with entertaining conversation. Many local libraries, community centers, and senior living communities have existing book clubs, or you can find one online with a bit of searching.
Tend a Garden
There is just something about watching vegetables or flowers grow from seedlings to full-fledged mature plants. And, if you’re the gardening type, ask your friends and grandkids to join you so they can lend a hand.
If you already have a green thumb, you can join a local community garden or start your own bigger project near your home, while more novice gardeners can plant a tray of annuals to care for. If you’re feeling up for it, check out which vegetables grow best in your region and climate and try growing some cherry tomatoes, peas, or zucchini to put in a salad.
Plan an Adventure
One guaranteed way to bring out the kid in all of us is to plan an adventure, whether it is something as simple as a trip to a nearby aquarium or even something more heart-pumping, like a hike or a walk on the beach.
If there have always been a few trips or experiences on your bucket list, there is no time like today to pick a destination, round up a few friends and family, and get out there and experience new things. Between musicals, museums, historical sites, or even kid-themed shows, there are plenty of things out there to get your creative juices flowing.
Express Your Love of Animals
The warmer weather is always a great time for seniors who enjoy animals to get outside and find new ways to experience the beauty of nature or lend a hand to those who may need it.
Expressing your love of animals can be something as simple as setting up a new birdhouse, bird feeder, or birdbath for the yard, planting plants that butterflies and bees enjoy, or even planning an outing to a local zoo or dog park. If you are feeling a bit charitable, too, animal lovers can also volunteer at an animal shelter to dole out some pets or help with light upkeep.
Our list is just a starting point to help you get your creative juices flowing for how best to enjoy the warmer weather. Of course, the team at Arbor Terrace Fulton are always looking for new and amazing ways to provide fun, engaging, and safe ways for their residents to enjoy themselves year-round.
To learn more or to check out a sample calendar of events, you can contact us here.
