Summer is here! Along with the sunny days and heat comes many fun summer activities for people of all ages! While relaxing and enjoying the warm days is important, so is staying active! There are many fun and engaging activities that seniors can enjoy during the summer months- indoor and outdoor. Let's dive in and talk about a few!
Water Activities
Swimming is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of summer and water! Swimming in a pool or walking along a beach are great activities that help you stay active. Water aerobics, canoeing or kayaking are also fun activities that seniors can enjoy.
Outdoor Games
Some outdoor games that seniors may choose to participate in are horseshoes, bocce ball, and croquet. Golf is another classic outdoor sport that is very popular and can provide great exercise! Or consider taking a board game like chess outside and enjoy the fresh air!
Gardening
There are so many benefits to gardening! It can provide great exercise, help with stress relief and improve your mood. Gardening also helps maintain mobility and flexibility, encourages use of all motor skills, and improves endurance and strength. Not to mention a garden is beautiful to look at and it can provide nutritious, home-grown produce!
Community Events
Check with your local parks department or senior center to find out about concerts or events that are going on in your community! These can provide fun social interactions and memories for people of all ages!
Other Outdoor Activities
Fishing and walking are wonderful outdoor activities that seniors love! Fishing can be calming and relaxing, especially since you get to enjoy it out in nature. Walking through neighborhoods, parks or taking trails can be another wonderful activity as long as you are aware of your surroundings like rough trails. Remember to not push your limits and be mindful of high temperatures and humidity.
Indoor Activities
On those extremely hot days, there are fun indoor activities as well! Visit a new museum or ice cream shop, go to the movies, try out a new recipe, or enjoy a cool beverage and chat with friends!
Traveling
Seniors can still travel even though getting around can be a little more difficult, and summer is one of the best times to do it! Vacations, of course, are a wonderful activity to do with family and friends. There are also many options for group tours, cruises, and day trips. There are some tips to keep in mind when it comes to senior traveling:
Pack light. This helps keep your luggage more manageable to move and carry. Wear comfortable shoes and pack light, loose clothing. Light colors with reflect heat better than dark colors, which will help keep you cooler.
Don't forget your sunscreen! Also take along a hat and sunglasses and maybe even an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.
Take it slow. Take frequent breaks in shady or air-conditioned areas. Schedule outdoor activities during cooler hours of the day, like morning and evening.
Remember your medications. It's also a good idea to bring extra medication along in case your return trip is delayed, or you lose some of your medications.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration is always a serious issue, for seniors especially. Make sure to drink plenty of water!
Get your vehicle checked. If you are taking a road trip, make sure your vehicle is in good working order- tires, oil changed, etc. It's always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car!
Travel with someone. Traveling is always more fun to do with someone- whether it's with family or friends. It is also helpful to have someone else with you if you need some kind of assistance.
Check for senior discounts! Whenever your destination is, there are bound to be many activities and sights to see that offer discounts to seniors. Do a little research before you go to see if you can save a few dollars.
*As always, keep your health and well-being in mind. Even though these activities are, in general, good, they are not for everyone. Your health and safety are a priority. Check with your doctor or medical provider if you have questions about any activities that might risk your health.
Summer is a great time to enjoy the season and get active! As a senior, it's a great time to try new things, connect with others, and make the most of every day! Happy summer!
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