5 Safe and Calm Summer Activities for Caregivers and Seniors
The long hot days of summer offer ample opportunities to stay active and get the best out of each day. Older adults benefit from both outdoor activities with limited sun exposure and from being engaged indoors while staying cool.
Different types of activities can be customized to meet the needs of each individual. Caregivers can find and participate in creative ways to enjoy the summer season and still beat the heat in New Kensington. Here are five safe and calm activities for seniors to get the most out of the summer months.
Pack a Lunch and Go on a Picnic
There is nothing like packing up your favorite sandwiches and drinks and heading to a nearby Kittanning park or lakeside for a picnic. Bring along some folding chairs so seniors can relax in comfort under a shaded tree. Picnics are a great way to get together with family and friends for a few hours watching the antics of children or simply listening to the sounds of nature.
Safety considerations for seniors — Choose healthy picnic food options and seek out shaded areas. You can also have a picnic on your own back porch or yard if travel is an issue.
Visit a Local Farmers Market
Local summer farmers' markets offer the opportunity to support community businesses and purchase fresh seasonal vegetables, fruit, and other locally-grown products. Caregivers can accompany older adults for a leisurely stroll through the colorful market. Seniors are able to interact with neighbors and take advantage of free treats along the way.
Safety considerations for seniors — Select wonderful seasonal treats like watermelon and strawberries. It is important to stay hydrated on a hot day with cold water or iced lemonade.
Head to the Mall for Some Shopping and Fun
Keeping cool in the summer doesn't mean seniors have to stay home. Head to a nearby Indiana, PA mall for air-conditioned shopping and soft carpeted strolling. Many malls have cinemas and the price of movies is usually lower in the afternoon. Seniors can sip on an iced coffee while people-watching or browse through books at the bookstore.
Safety considerations for seniors — If seniors and caregivers need to take a break from shopping, most malls have benches scattered through the promenade. It is an opportunity to grab an ice cream and watch the world go by in cool comfort.
Capture the Summer's Beauty With Photography
Summer is the time when nature shows off the best it has to offer. For seniors, photography offers a creative and purposeful hobby and an ideal way to connect with the natural environment. Photographing summer flowers, birds or sunsets helps older adults appreciate the world around them in a personalized way. Favorite shots can be framed and hung on the wall.
Safety considerations for seniors— Morning and evening hours are not only cooler for outdoor photo shoots but often offer unique perspectives not available in the middle of the day.
Go for a Refreshing Swim
Seniors might enjoy a visit to a community swimming pool or local recreation center in the neighborhood. Many facilities in the area offer a variety of water aerobics classes and other older adult-friendly pool activities. Swimming is a form of low-impact exercise ideal for supporting and maintaining heart, bone, and joint health. It is a refreshing way to spend a summer day.
Safety considerations for seniors— Slip-resistant shoes on the wet pavement around the pool are smart for both the caretaker and the senior. As always, drink lots of water and use sunscreen if the pool is outdoors.
Senior Helpers Can Make All the Difference
Senior Helpers is your premier resource for finding customized and compassionate care for your loved ones. We offer a variety of home care services focused on meeting the needs of each individual. Contact us anytime to find out how we can give you and yours the peace of mind you deserve.