Warm summer days bring back fond memories of water parks, trips to the beach with family, and lazy days with friends. But just because we are a bit older now, that doesn’t mean that there are’t plenty of opportunities to safely soak up the sun and breath in all that fresh air.
Of course, finding the right types of activities that balance fun in the sun with safety can be tricky, but this season can also inspire a sense of adventure or rekindle a love for a favorite hobby.
If you are looking for some fresh ways to get out there and enjoy the season or spark that feeling in a loved one, we have compiled a list of some of our favorite senior-friendly summer activities to get those creative juices flowing.
Flex Your Green Thumb
There is something about colorful flowers in bloom and the feeling of enjoying a salad with vegetables picked from your own garden. If you are the gardening type, invite a friend or a grandchild over and ask them to lend a hand while you plant new seeds, prepare the ground for next season, or tend your current plot.
If gardening isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry: Look for a local community group that can help you learn the ropes, share the workload at a community garden, or inspire you to grow your own tray of annuals.
Enjoy the Arts
The colors of summer inspire the artist in all of us while also reaping plenty of benefits for seniors. If you are looking for a new creative outlet, try a drawing or painting class, learn about photography, check out woodworking or pottery, or just pick up a fun adult coloring book, find a nice shady bench, and relax.
For the bookworms among us, why not share your love with others who feel the same way by joining a book club? Many local libraries, community centers, and senior living communities have existing book clubs, or you can find one online.
Have an Adventure
Take advantage of the longer days and plan an adventure — either to a nearby location that you have always been meaning to visit or even somewhere a bit more heart-pumping, like a hiking trail.
If there are still some places and experiences on your bucket list, there is no time like today to pick one, get planning, invite friends to join, and get out there and do it! Of course, if travel or temperatures are a concern, use the internet to enjoy many of the world’s top destinations from the comfort of your living room.
To get started, check out the New York Metropolitan Opera’s Opera Stream, a tour of the British Museum, or a virtual hike of the Redwood Forest.
Make Some Furry Friends
Whether you’ve always had a soft spot for animals or you just want to find a new way to experience the beauty of nature, summer is a great time to get out there and try something new. Express your love for local wildlife by setting up a new bird feeder or birdbath, putting up a hummingbird feeder, or cultivating some flowers that bees and butterflies love. If you want something more hands-on, animal lovers can also volunteer at a local animal shelter and lend a helping hand — or pet.
Of course, at Arbor Terrace in Greenbelt, senior-friendly summer activities are the norm. Our residents enjoy a full schedule of events to attend with friends and family, including art classes, exercise programs, local trips to cultural hotspots, and more.
Interested in learning more about how our residents enjoy their summer? Check out Arbor Terrace in Greenbelt here or contact us to stop in for a visit.
