Summer often brings plenty of sunshine, but it can also bring dangerously high temperatures and extreme weather. Older adults are more prone to heat stress, so it is important to be careful with activities in the heat. Try these safe summer activities for seniors during the warmer months.

Cool Things to Do

When the heat is on, indoor arts and crafts could be an option for you. This might include:

  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Pottery
  • Jewelry making

You may want to explore a new hobby or take up an old one. Adult children, you can join in with them and support them in their interests. There are many hobbies to explore.

Knitting and crocheting are popular activities that provide a sense of accomplishment.

You can also prepare summer meals with your senior loved one. These tend to be lighter, cooler food items. No one needs to work over a hot stove in the summer when there are so many cool, nutritious, and refreshing foods to choose from.

Take your senior to a mall. They are air conditioned, have plenty of shops and restaurants, and places to sit and rest after getting some walking exercise.

Seniors, you can explore other air conditioned spaces including museums, aquariums, movie theaters, libraries, concert halls, and indoor arenas featuring arts and crafts festivals.

Check out indoor swimming pools in the area. Swimming one of the great summer activities for seniors that provides a way to exercise while still staying cool.

Family members pick a day of the week for playing indoor games with your senior. Join your senior for regular get-togethers. Play music and sing songs your senior likes best. Hold a regular game night. Put together a jigsaw puzzle. Browse a photo album together. How about an indoor picnic?

Hold an indoor scavenger hunt competition with your senior. Make the hunt for things like:

  • Something starting with the letter “C”
  • Something red
  • A photo of a loved one
  • Something to wear
  • Something soft
  • A pair of matching socks
  • Something shiny
  • Two items which names rhyme

Too hot to garden outdoors? Try indoor gardening for a relaxing and rewarding activity. Seniors, you can grow many types of produce indoors like cherry tomatoes, peppers, and fresh herbs. There are several indoor gardening kits to choose from.

Join a book club. The club can meet in homes or there are many online versions.

Interested in learning from experts on current topics? Check out TED. A wide variety of topics are covered in talks lasting 15 to 20 minutes.

Don’t give up on exercise because of the heat. Get your exercise indoors. Tai Chi and Yoga can also be performed indoors. (Please consult your physician if you are beginning a new exercise program.)

Indoor sports include billiards, bowling, and table tennis. If you have a basement, there are many indoor games you can enjoy, such as:

  • Ring toss
  • Darts with safe hook-and-loop balls instead of metal darts
  • Nerf basketball
  • Indoor rubber horseshoes

There are several fun things to do during the hot summer months in the safety of a cool, indoor environment.

Summer can be both fun and safe for seniors. Visit Bethesda’s blog for more safe summer activities.

Whether in independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, Bethesda offers the right amenities, services, programming, and staff to make every day full of purpose. See for yourself and tour our independent living communities, including Bethesda Barclay House – Clayton, Bethesda Gardens – Kirkwood, Bethesda Orchard – Webster Groves, Bethesda Terrace – South County, Village North Retirement Community – Florissant, and The Oaks at Bethesda Villas – Kirkwood/Webster.
Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness Heat Safety Heat Stress senior lifestyle Senior Living Summer Activities