Four More Summer Exercise Ideas
With spring in full swing, and summer steadily approaching, there’s an increase in opportunities to spend quality time with your loved ones outdoors. Time spent outside holds several benefits for seniors, (or anyone for that matter!) including sleep improvement, boosting one’s immune system, and increasing energy levels. Because seniors tend to have lower Vitamin D levels, it’s imperative that they get sunshine and fresh air as much as possible. Having a hard time being creative when to comes spending time outside with the older adult in your life? We have you covered! Here are four simple ways that seniors can get out and about this summer.
1 | WALKING / HIKING
Getting outside and moving is important, especially during warmer weather. Whether the senior in your life might be up for an hour-long hike or a leisurely walk in a park, this website will point you to hiking trails in any city or park in the United States. Each trail has a scale showing the difficulty of the trail, whether or not it’s wheelchair accessible, and if it’s advised to bring a four-legged friend along.
2 | PICNICS
Meals have the tendency to turn into monotonous activities, but taking them outside to a park, whether on a picnic blanket or table, can be an excellent way to get the senior in your life outside during the summer months.
3 | BIRD WATCHING
Whether your loved one can hike the trails or may even have limited mobility, bird watching has proven to be an engaging and accessible hobby for many older adults. This article offers insight into bird watching from a wheelchair, and The National Audubon Society provides countless resources about birds: information regarding the different regions they inhabit and offering detailed guides to beginning one’s bird watching hobby.
4 | FARMER’S MARKETS
Many communities have farmer’s markets running through the entirety of the summer season, and these events are easily accessible to older adults. Getting to chat with farmers, purchase fresh produce and view local art creates a deep sense of community. Some market managing teams even hire live musicians and performers to accentuate their event. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for farmer’s markets to offer volunteer opportunities during market hours, and it’s worth asking around to see if any of those positions may be accessible to senior adults.
Studies show that time spent outside, whether on a hiking trail, a communal space like a farmer’s market or even time spent on one’s own front porch can improve our spirits, help us to sleep better, boost our immune system, (which we all need these days!) keep us energized and maintain our vitamin D levels. Do you have any other ways to get the senior in your life outside in the sunshine this summer? Let us know in the comments.
