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The spring season has finally arrived! It’s the time of year when longer days and warmer weather began to draw people outdoors again to enjoy the wonderful sights, sounds, and smells of spring after a long and dreary winter. The warmth from the spring sunshine is always a welcome reprieve from the cold and dark days of the winter months. Spring is also considered a time of renewal…a hope for things to come. It’s a joyful season that puts everyone in a jubilant mood, and who deserves to enjoy this time of year more than the senior loved one in your life?
The shorter days and cold weather that occurs during winter can have adverse effects on the mobility and circulation of seniors, even in milder climates. Seniors often spend days, if not weeks, cooped up indoors and the cooler weather and less daylight can make it hard for relatives to visit their loved ones who reside in a senior living community. As a result, seniors often experience bouts of anxiety and depression during this time of year. The best way to shake off these “winter blues” is by finding fun and engaging outdoor activities you and your senior loved one can enjoy together this spring.
Below is a list of various senior-friendly outdoor activities that can be enjoyed together when the lovely weather in spring is at its best. Each one offers a great opportunity for family bonding and is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.
– Go outside! Taking a walk around a local park or simply around the neighborhood is a great way to help your senior loved one enjoy the sights and sounds of spring. Many parks have handicap accessible paved trails that can be enjoyed even if the assistance of a walker or wheelchair is needed.
– If your senior loved one is unable to take a walk around the neighborhood or park, sitting outside on the porch or patio is a great option. Enjoy the weather together while sharing a good conversation over a refreshing beverage or cup of coffee.
– A good activity that is enjoyed by people of all ages is feeding ducks or geese at a nearby pond. This activity offers a great way to help younger family members bond with the older generation.
– This time of year sees local farmer’s markets back in full swing. It’s the perfect opportunity to purchase in-season fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers. People-watching opportunities are an added bonus!
– People-watching is always a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all capabilities. Enjoy the lovely weather of spring while sitting outside at a cafe, coffee shop, shopping center, park, bakery, or any other public outdoor space. This is a perfect activity for seniors whose mobility may keep them from taking part in other outdoor activities.
– Cook a spring inspired meal together. Incorporate those fresh fruits and veggies you purchased at the farmer’s market to create a yummy meal. It’s a great bonding opportunity, and everyone enjoys eating a home cooked meal!
– Use the fresh flowers from the farmer’s market, or ones you gather from your garden at home, to create beautiful spring bouquets to freshen up your senior loved one’s space. Other seniors within their assisted living community will also appreciate flowers when you have extra.
– It’s called spring cleaning for a reason! This time of year offers the perfect opportunity to encourage and help your senior loved one organize and declutter their space. Everyone loves and appreciates a freshly cleaned home, especially after the staleness that can settle in during winter months.
Conclusion
When you take the time to help your senior loved one celebrate the spring season you will not only help to improve their mood, you will also make them feel important, loved and appreciated. It’s the perfect opportunity to create family memories that will last a life time.
At Terrace Ridge Assisted Living our community is truly unique. From the parlor you enter to outdoor exercise walkways, everything is carefully planned for our residents and their families. Comfort and convenience was designed into our spacious resident rooms, living areas located throughout the community, and the inviting dining room. We’ve incorporated the very best planning in providing a community that has a very special feeling. Once you visit, you’ll immediately recognize that everything has been done to enhance the quality of life for your loved one. Contact us today and let us help you and your loved one enjoy the pleasures of spring!
