5 Summer Activities for Seniors
With summer in full swing, now is the time to get out and enjoy everything the season has to offer. Kids are out of school. Parents are planning vacations. And seniors? We want to make sure older adults soak in the beautiful weather, too. That’s why our Southview Senior Communities have put together a list of five summer activities for seniors. Keep reading for simple tips to enjoy the season.
Spend Time Outside
The easiest way to relish the summer season is to simply immerse yourself in it. Spend time outside with relaxing and low-impact activities like taking a walk, watching birds and other wildlife, or communing with nature.
Research suggests that going for a walk outside can improve memory, strengthen immunity, and promote creativity. Light physical activity, like walking, can also lead to better health and quality of life as we age. And let’s face it, there are few things more enjoyable than summertime scents—lilacs, freshly mowed grass, the neighbors’ grill—with the sun’s warmth on your skin.
Surrounding yourself in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve cognition, and help you get better sleep. And in Minnesota, there’s no shortage of nature or the critters it houses. Bird watching is an easy activity you can do either while walking or relaxing. Whether in flight, washing their wings, or hunting for food, watching birds in their natural habitat certainly has therapeutic effects on the mind, body, and spirit.
Play Outdoor Games
Once again, being outside tends to make people happier and feel relaxed, even if you’re engaging in friendly competition with an outdoor game. Breathe in the fresh air and soak up some vitamin D while playing simple games like bocce ball, badminton, miniature golf, bean bags, or inflatable bowling. These and other outdoor games are easy to set up and provide plenty of opportunity for socializing and fun.
If you’re used to playing cards, chess, or board games indoors, consider a change of scenery and play those games on an outdoor table. You can enjoy the playful rivalry and memory skills these types of games provide while relishing the peacefulness of summer.
Take a Day Trip
Breaking away from daily routines brings about a renewed perspective and revitalized spirit. Consider going on a day trip to visit a park, zoo, or museum. Even taking the afternoon to have lunch at a new or favorite restaurant can provide a little adventure. And if that restaurant has outdoor seating, even better!
Our Southview Senior Communities offer transportation services, which could be helpful when planning an excursion. We also plan and provide opportunities for resident outings. These have proven to be popular activities that allow residents to improve social skills, bond with neighbors, and make beautiful memories.
Dive Into a Good Book
Books are exciting adventures that can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere. Take advantage of the warmth and the sun and crack open a good book outside. Whether sitting at a picnic table, relaxing in a lounger or hammock, or sprawled across a blanket on the grass, summertime offers the most ideal conditions for reading outdoors.
And if being outside helps improve overall health, reading outside is even better. Using muscles keeps them in shape, and the same is true for the brain. Reading exercises the mind and helps improve communication skills. It can also help combat anxiety and boost overall happiness, especially if you’re reading something you really enjoy.
Tend to a Garden
At many of our Southview locations, residents can plant and tend small gardens. And they love it.
Gardening can be tailored to individual needs, abilities, and preferences, whether that’s growing your own food or planting beautiful flowers. Or both. This activity provides another low-impact option for basking in the beauty of summer.
Gardening also offers a host of benefits, both mental and physical, for seniors. Working with your hands helps maintain and improve dexterity. Gardening also increases energy levels, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. Most importantly, it’s fun. And because gardens are always works in progress, they provide a continual sense of purpose.
Enjoy Summer at Southview
These are only a few of the many summer activities for seniors to help make the most of the season. Every day in our 14 Southview Senior Communities, residents enjoy events, activities, amenities, and more in a thriving and welcoming environment. Contact us today to schedule a tour or to learn more about our communities and the Southview location nearest you. We would love to welcome you home!
