Although the Temps Are Higher Seniors Still Need To Get Outside

It’s that time of year – the dog days of summer. Temperatures have been sweltering around the region as of late, making it almost miserable to go outside. People tend to choose spending more time indoors during hot weather, but it’s important to still find ways to safely and comfortably spend time outdoors, especially for seniors. Whether it’s too hot or too cold, many seniors opt for indoor, more sedentary activities when there is an extreme fluctuation in temperatures. Even as the humidity and temperatures rise, it’s important to encourage senior adults to participate in outdoor activities as often as they possibly can.

By choosing appropriate activities and properly managing time outside for seniors, they are also able to enjoy all the fun that comes with summer months. Regardless of the activity you choose, be sure your loved one uses plenty of sunscreen, stays hydrated, and wears the appropriate seasonal clothing to avoid over exposure to the sun and heat. Below are a few fun activities senior adults can enjoy outside during hot summer weather.

Take a walk

While your first thought may be that walking is the last thing you want your senior loved one to be doing when it’s hot, it’s actually an activity that can be comfortably enjoyed when the proper precautions are taken. It really is the perfect time of year to help your loved one establish a regular walking routine. Not only will a brief lap (or two) around the block improve the mood of seniors, it is also a great way to maintain good cardiovascular health. An added bonus – these walks will also help them to stay connected with their neighbors or community.

For seniors who have issues with mobility, there are plenty of local parks around that provide paved walking trails that are walker or wheelchair accessible. If your loved one resides in an assisted living facility, they may have access to outdoor pathways for walking as well as community outdoor areas for dining, reading, sitting and conversing.

Swimming

Do a quick Google search for images of “summer” and you’re likely to get thousands of results featuring swimming pools with people lounging around them. This is because swimming and summer go hand-in-hand. People of all ages enjoy swimming, and it’s the perfect way for senior adults to stay cool while spending time outside when the temperatures are high. Not only is it a fun activity, it is also a great way for seniors to exercise without the added stress on their joints.

Some assisted living facilities may provide a community pool. If the one where your loved one lived does not, there are local pools (example – at the YMCA) that have pools with handicap rails and lift chairs for anyone that needs them. An Added bonus – by joining the Silver Sneakers program through Medicare, the YMCA membership is free of charge!

Gardening

When it comes to outdoor activities for seniors when the weather gets warm, gardening is the #1 choice. It is an activity that doesn’t have to be a labor intensive, back breaking one. Most garden centers carry raised beds on platforms or legs that sit about waist high, allowing even seniors with mobility issues the opportunity to have a small vegetable or flower garden that doesn’t require bending or squatting. If you can’t find one nearby, it’s easy to find plans online for free to build one yourself.

Gardening is such a popular activity among seniors that it is very common to find community gardens spread through assisted living communities. Tending a small vegetable garden not only encourages seniors to spend time outside, it is great for their mental state and helps them gain a sense of accomplishment and pride. Garden chores are best done in the morning or later evening hours to avoid the harshest rays from the sun.

Conclusion

It is easy to think that as we get older, our playtime outdoors during the hot months of summer has come to an end. There are so many more activities than listed above that can be enjoyed by seniors including sitting under a shade tree at the park people watching or reading, touring a garden, and outdoor movies and concerts.

Regardless of the time of year, it is important that seniors stay active and engaged both socially and physically. It is a sad fact that senior adults are more prone to anxiety, depression and isolation than their younger peers. The activities listed above can help reduce or eliminate these issues. Just remember to plan ahead and take all the necessary precautions before heading outside!

Terrace Ridge 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.