Activities For Seniors When the Weather Turns Hot

It’s that time of year when high temperatures can make it miserable to go outside. When temperatures soar people, especially seniors, tend to choose spending more time indoors doing more sedentary activities, if any activities at all. It’s important to help seniors stay active during summer months, even as the heat and humidity rises. By choosing and properly managing summer activities, seniors are less likely to spend their summer months confined indoors.

There are a host of activities seniors can enjoy outside in the summertime. Always make sure your senior loved one has protection from the sun, wears weather appropriate clothing, and stays hydrated regardless of the activity you choose. Below are a few suggestions for fun outdoor activities for senior adults during the hot summer months.

Swimming

Swimming is synonymous with summer, and the two go perfectly hand-in-hand. It is an activity enjoyed by people of all ages, and is a great way for seniors to stay cool outside when it’s scorching hot. Swimming also offers the great added benefit of allowing seniors to exercise without the added weight and pressure on their limbs and joints. If your loved one resides in an assisted living facility that does not offer a pool, there are local pools to visit (like the YMCA) that provide pools with lift chairs and handicap rails for those who need them.

Go for a walk

This may not seem like the ideal activity when it’s hot outside, but it IS an activity that can be enjoyed when done during the right time of day. As a matter of fact, the perfect time for seniors (or anyone) to establish a regular walking routine is during the warmer months. A simple trip (or two) around the block not only helps seniors to maintain good cardiovascular health, it also helps to keep them connected to their community and neighbors.

Even if your senior loved one had mobility issues, it’s still important to get them outside. Many local parks provide paved walking trails that are free, and wheelchair or walker accessible. Assisted living facilities generally provide outdoor areas for walking, sitting, reading, and dining so that seniors can enjoy plenty of time outside.

Tend a garden

Gardening is the #1 activity choice for seniors when the weather is warm. While we may think of gardening as a back breaking, labor intensive activity, the opposite can be quite true. A small raised garden bed with legs allows seniors to grow a few flowers and vegetables in a way that does not require squatting or bending. These types of raised beds are around waist high, so they are also easy to tend even for those in wheelchairs. This type of bed can be found at most garden centers, or you can easily find plans online to build one yourself.

Gardening is a great activity for seniors of all abilities to not only get some time outdoors soaking up the essential vitamin D and fresh air, but it also helps them build confidence and gain a sense of accomplishment. Many senior living communities provide shared outdoor garden space that is a big hit with most seniors. It’s best to do garden chores in the morning or later evening hours to avoid the part of the day when sun rays are the most harsh.

Conclusion

Our senior family members are a treasure, and we need to ensure their happiness and well being to the best of our ability. It is an unfortunate fact that seniors are much more prone to depression and isolation than their younger peers, so regardless of the time of year it is vital to keep them active and engaged both socially and physically.

The activities mentioned above provide great opportunities to do just that! They are great ways to help ensure mental and physical well-being for seniors during summer months. Just remember to use sunscreen, wear appropriate clothing and stay hydrated.

Jurney’s Assisted Living offers a discerning residential environment for those who, for whatever reason, should not live alone, but do not require skilled nursing care. Here, residents can live as independently as they wish, with the calm assurance that help is always available, should they require assistance with their activities of daily living. Contact us today to learn more.