5 Fun Summer Activities That Are Safe for the Elderly

With the approach of warmer weather, people of all ages venture outdoors to enjoy many different types of activities that can help them maintain good overall health. Summer is a great time to reconnect and engage with the world around us.

Though mental or physical capabilities may vary, there are still numerous of summertime activities and options older adults may enjoy. Here are a few of the exciting summer activities that are safe for seniors to engage in.

1. Treasure Hunting 

Some older adults enjoy going to beaches, parks, and other locations equipped with a metal detector in search of hidden treasures. Going on a treasure hunt with a metal detector is not just fun for seniors though, it can be enjoyable for their grandkids as well. Bonding over the search for hidden treasure is a fun and exciting activity for people of all ages.

If you don’t have a metal detector and need to buy one, don’t worry about getting one that’s high-tech or too expensive. Different types of detectors are capable of finding specific kinds of metal, and it does not need to be expensive to be fun. 

Some seniors have found treasure seeking to be a serious hobby, and travel to various destinations in hopes of locating unusual items. The walking involved when detecting and uncovering items is a great way to get exercise and stay active. 

If your aging loved one needs assistance with exercising, or it’s something that needs improvement, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Dayton home care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.

2. Playing Pickleball 

Pickleball has become particularly popular with older adults. The court-based game is similar to tennis, but in some ways is easier to manage. While the fast-paced speed of tennis may be too much for seniors to keep up with, Pickleball is an easier, more manageable alternative. 

Instead of using a tennis ball, players use a plastic Wiffle ball and a lightweight, paddle-shaped racket. And don’t worry about finding a court to play on, seniors can learn the basic rules of the game and play at a park, on a backyard patio, or a driveway with family members of all ages. 

Along with enhancing balance and flexibility, the game also increases upper body range of motion. Overall, it is a fun and effective way to stay healthy through the summer. As they improve, many seniors who enjoy pickleball can also belong to teams and clubs. 

3. Painting

Painting is a fun and relaxing way you can spend the summer. Seniors can pick a scenery they love, inside or outside, and paint what they see or how they feel. This is also a great way to cope with difficult transitions, or just cure the summer blues.

If a senior loved one does not feel like they have the skills to free paint on their own, there are also several classes they can take to help their creativity grow, as well as connect socially with others.

This social connection is important, and a great part of helping seniors age like champions.

4. Swimming

Now that the weather is warm, summer is a great time for seniors to take a swim! From floating on the water, or joining a water aerobics class, there is a wide range of activities that seniors can enjoy while in the pool.

Don’t forget, if you decide to go swimming at an outdoor pool or lake, staying safe is essential. Remember to apply sunblock to avoid sunburns or damaging sun rays that could harm your senior loved one.

Not only is it a great way to exercise, but a great way to have fun and relax with others. When

5. Walking in Nature

With the snow gone, and the chilly wind at a halt, summertime is the perfect time to enjoy the nature and beauty around us. 

Whether ambulatory or in a wheelchair, older adults might enjoy venturing to a local park or nature reserve to take in the fragrances, sights, and sounds of the area. Fortunately, many locations have paved pathways that readily accommodate wheelchairs or other mobile devices, so seniors can enjoy these nature walks to the fullest. 

A nature walk doesn’t have to be by yourself, in fact, when family and friends are included, this provides a great chance to socialize while getting in a little bit of exercise. Seniors can also take healthy beverages and snacks to enjoy along the way. If the location is known for wildlife viewing, seniors may consider taking a camera as well, to document the scenery and keep the memories. 

Many seniors find activities like walking more enjoyable with a companion. For families living in Dayton, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

6. Going on a Picnic 

For those who love the warm weather, combined with eating healthy and delicious food, picnics are a great summer activity too! 

Seniors can pack up their favorite summertime foods like watermelon, fresh salads, or smoothies and head to the park or a local lake with the rest of the family. If time or health is a restriction for you or a loved one, there are still options that are available to you. For example, a picnic can still take place on a porch or in the backyard if you are unable to travel far. 

Picnics are a great time for families and friends to bond and connect with one another. If able, older adults might enjoy helping with food preparation with a child or grandchild. Then, once the meal is prepared, your picnic could be the perfect setting for an outdoor family reunion! Seniors typically love watching the antics of children at play and the chance to spend time with loved ones. 

7. Gardening

There are various kinds of vegetation and plant life that thrive when the weather gets warm. Things like cucumber, tomatoes, berries, and okra are not just available at the market, but in your own yard!

Gardening is a great way to spend the time. As you plant and mend your garden, you might discover your green thumb and save on money by creating your own fresh foods in the comfort of your own home. Whether you just want 1 or 2 indoor plants, or a whole outdoor garden of options, seniors can garden what they feel is easiest for them to manage.

If you have an overabundance of food, consider selling them or giving them out to neighbors and friends as a way to connect and engage with them. There is so much that can grow out of gardens – and we’re not just talking about plants.

8. Photography

For those who love to capture the beautiful moments, photography may be the right hobby.

Like painting, photography is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the world outside. Consider going on a walk, and snapping the things you see. Birds, plants, sunsets, or even just beautiful homes in your neighborhood are great ways to appreciate the world around you.

Seniors can find calm and purpose in photography. Not only is it a terrific way to connect to the environment, but you can hang your favorite shots on your wall at home to remember those amazing moments.

9. Fishing 

Who doesn’t love a good fishing tale? Though fishing can be really difficult and sometimes impossible during the winter months, it is much easier and more enjoyable summer activity for aging adults and their families.

Seniors can fish from the shore, on the dock, or aboard a boat. Many older adults have the patience to sit, relax, and socialize while waiting to snag a fish, and they are also typically eager to pass their knowledge and skill on to younger anglers. 

Fishing does not require a great deal of expensive equipment and provides the chance to make special memories that last a lifetime. If they don’t catch anything, don’t worry! Sometimes, spending time by the water can be exactly what the mind needs to regroup and refocus on what is important. 

10. Kite Flying

When the winter winds blow, it can be difficult to enjoy kite flying. However, there are many places, like parks and fields, where the warm summer breezes are perfect for kite flying.

If your senior loved one wants to get outdoors, consider bringing along a sturdy kite, you never know when the wind will be perfect for it!

Kite flying is something that seniors can enjoy with others like children. grandchildren or friends. Watching your kite take to the sky is relaxing and has the right amount of difficulty to be challenging at the same time. Challenge yourself, and see how high or how long you can keep your kite in the air. This is a great way to socialize while giving your arms and legs a low impact exercise.

These are just 10 of the great summer activities you can try with your senior loved ones this year. Each activity contributes and supports the Balanced Care Method™ lifestyle and can improve the health of your loved one is several areas. We encourage you to give them a try!

Though it can become increasingly challenging for aging adults to participate in activities outdoors or to connect socially, Home Care Assistance of Dayton is here to provide you with answers and respite. Many families choose to take on senior caregiving duties, but there may come a time when they need a trusted Dayton senior care provider to help. 

Families sometimes require respite from their duties, so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call us today at (937) 353-7997 to request a free in-home consultation.

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