Springtime is finally here — warmer temperatures, more hours of sunlight, and finally the flowers and plants are beginning to bud, pushing their way through the earth in our gardens and lawns. Spring is finally calling, so how will you take advantage of all the spring activities for seniors?
Tips for Getting Active
As an older adult, you may have rarely been able to leave your home in recent months due to the cold of winter. Now the outside world is more available to you. What are some of your options?
Birdwatching. A greater variety of birds are returning to the area and becoming more active. A few activities for senior birdwatchers include:
- Observing their behavior.
- Listening to their calls.
- Taking a close look with a pair of binoculars.
- Seeing how many different birds you can identify.
This activity can be shared with family members of all ages. Just put out a feeder or two and watch the fun. It’s relaxing, interesting and stimulating, and can take place on the grounds of a senior living community or in your own backyard.
Perhaps you can combine the activity of building a birdhouse with the birdwatching! You may want to enlist help from a family member to get started.
Gardening. Add gardening to your list of spring activities for seniors! Gardening can be great exercise, provide a sense of accomplishment and pride, and be shared with family and fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Caregivers and family members can help you with your garden supplies. And if you enjoy photography as well, you’ll have beautiful photos of your garden to share.
If you’d like to learn more about gardening, check out these online gardening classes.
Walking. Walking is great exercise, and a fun and informal way to reconnect with neighbors and friends. Your family can join you, too. Perhaps you can pick out a nice place to stop in a park and have a picnic!
Playing games. There are many outdoor games perfect for seniors in the spring, including:
- Horseshoes
- Ring toss
- Washers
- Croquet
In addition, playing these card or dice games out on a patio are great options for those seniors who may desire a less physical activity:
- Yahtzee
- Checkers
- Scrabble
- Bridge
- Gin Rummy
Creating arts and crafts. There are many arts and crafts projects that can be created outdoors. You are sure to be inspired by this list of craft ideas, and if it’s a rainy day, these activities can be easily moved inside.
Going for a drive. Visit an old neighborhood, or someplace you’ve always wanted to see. Stop at a drive-up window and treat yourself to something delicious or dine at an outdoor restaurant.
Organize a family gathering. Invite your adult children, grandkids, or close friends to a party or barbecue. Guests can contribute food items and provide you with help with the preparations.
Spring cleaning. Since spring is a time of renewal, do some “renewing” where you live. Eliminate clutter. Open up space that may inspire some decorating ideas. You’ll feel accomplished, and you’ll be surrounded by a fresh new look. Family members or friends can help with ideas and procuring materials. Make it a group project!
Spring is a time to celebrate, to stretch ourselves mentally and physically, and to find something new or rediscover an old hobby that you still enjoy. Have fun!
For more activities for seniors, visit our blog.
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