Have you been feeling a bit stir-crazy after a spring season full of social distancing? Summertime in the Teaneck area is the perfect time to head outdoors for a bit of fresh air and a change of scenery. Try any of our outdoor activities for seniors as you get out of the house to pick up a new hobby or revisit a favorite one.
Outdoor Safety
Before you lace up your shoes and head outside, it’s important to take precautions in order to ensure that you have a safe and healthy day outdoors. Here are a few tips to keep you safe while you explore the Teaneck area:
- Always wear seasonally appropriate clothing, choosing light-colored and lightweight fabrics in order to stay cool.
- When possible, venture out in the early morning or evening hours. Temperatures are highest and sun exposure is at its strongest from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., so try to avoid being outdoors during these hours.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day and always pack a water bottle to sip on during your outdoor adventures.
- Seek out shady spots to rest.
- Tell someone where you will be and what time you expect to be home.
- Wear sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and consider wearing a hat to keep sunshine off your face.
- Practice social distancing and wear a mask when appropriate.
Hit the Trails
Whether you are an experienced hiker or are just looking for a low-impact exercise that allows you to experience nature, start to explore the trails around Teaneck. Look for well-maintained trails like those in the Teaneck Creek Conservancy or the Flat Rock Brook nature center. Start by picking up a trail map to carry with you and asking a representative which beginner trails are favorites. Walking is an excellent exercise option, and if you go during the same time of day, you’ll quickly find the same people to say hello to, giving you the opportunity to make a few new friends.
Check Out the Birds
Bird-watching has been a popular hobby for hundreds of years, and it seems to be picking up popularity in the past few years. Bird-watching is beginner friendly, which means anyone can enjoy the hobby without expensive supplies. You can start your bird-watching adventure by finding a book about local wildlife from the Teaneck Public Library, purchasing a good pair of walking shoes, and grabbing a journal or phone to log your finds. You can search for birds in forest preserves, along trails, or even right in your backyard.
Meditate in Nature
Who doesn’t need a bit of relaxation and peace nowadays? You can find your moment of Zen by beginning an outdoor meditation practice. Start your meditation journey by creating an outdoor space that helps you feel relaxed. Perhaps it is a favorite chair near a colorful plant, or maybe it is a rocking chair on your porch; wherever it is, make it a habit to visit your spot daily at around the same time of day. Mornings and evenings are excellent meditation options. If you aren’t quite sure how to quiet down and breathe, you can enlist the help of smartphone apps like Headspace. Remember, meditation takes practice! Try to start with less than five minutes per session and then work your way up.
Try Tai Chi or Yoga
You don’t have to walk, run, or swim to take advantage of physical activity in the great outdoors. Tai chi and yoga are excellent exercise options that pair well with nature. Find a local group class or bring your smartphone outside to enjoy an online class while in your backyard.
Enjoy Life with Friends
Outdoor activities are best enjoyed with others, and here at Arbor Terrace Teaneck, our residents enjoy plenty of outdoor events together. Our team works hard to plan activities that give residents the chance to socialize, learn, exercise, and have fun. Our outdoor live concerts, trips around town, and socials keep our residents feeling connected, happy, and healthy throughout every season.
Learn more about activities for seniors by downloading our free resource, “The Busy Person’s Guide to Recreation in Retirement.” You’ll learn how to find activities near you and how to find friends who share similar interests.
Here’s to a healthy and happy summer full of reasons to enjoy the outdoors.
