Getting outside can be good for an aging body and mind in many ways. For one thing, sunshine itself is a reliable source of the vitamin D older adults need to keep bones and muscles healthy and strong. Being active and engaged in the fresh air can also ease stress and boost mood for seniors. Below, you’ll find six activities an older loved one can safely do during the warmer months, when it’s easier to be more active outdoors.
1. Walking
The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other can be a great way for older adults to get active outdoors while getting a boost in circulation that may reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Also good for bone and joint health, walking can involve daily strolls around the neighborhood, trips to a local park with a family dog, or even nature walks along scenic local pathways.
Although some elderly people have mobility challenges that make them unable to get out on their own, they can still enjoy the outdoors with the help of professional caregivers. Elderly home care professionals can be a wonderful boon to seniors. Whether they require around-the-clock supervision or just need assistance with exercise and household tasks a few days a week, seniors can enjoy a higher quality of life with the help of trusted in-home caregivers.
2. Gardening
Gardening is a popular and highly flexible outdoor activity for older adults. It’s a type of light aerobic activity that can build muscle strength with the motions required for pulling weeds, transferring potted plants, and using a watering can or hose. It’s also a purposeful activity that helps with focus. Gardening can be even more beneficial if seniors grow nutrient-rich veggies and spices that naturally fight inflammation and mix them into favorite recipes.
3. Attending Craft Shows
Lively interactive activities allow older adults to mingle with friends and neighbors while getting a chance to walk around and look for appealing finds. If your loved one has some homemade crafts of his or her own, he or she may even be able to set up a booth and sell them to make some extra money when not walking around and mingling.
4. Doing Yoga
Increased energy, muscle tone, flexibility, balance, and coordination coupled with increased posture and a reduction in stress and anxiety are just some of the many benefits seniors can enjoy thanks to yoga. When the weather gets nice, yoga can also become an outdoor activity. A yoga mat can easily be used in a local park or outside on a back porch, deck, or patio to make the yoga experience more enjoyable and refreshing.
If you usually accompany your loved one during outdoor activities but need a break now and then, consider having a professional caregiver step in on occasion. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs 24-hour care, Prestige Home Care, Prestige Home Care can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home.
5. Swimming
Swimming is an activity that can do wonders for cardiovascular health. When it becomes an outdoor activity in a backyard or community pool, it can be a refreshing way to safely soak up some sun and stay cool at the same time. Swimming can also be gentle on aging joints, reduce the risk of conditions like osteoporosis, and increase muscle strength and endurance.
6. Having a Picnic
This classic outdoor activity is an excellent way for older adults to soak up some vitamin D while interacting with family members and friends. On top of that, the foods served can be healthy variations of picnic favorites, such as mayo-free potato salad with diced celery and other ingredients with cell-protecting and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Enjoying outdoor activities helps seniors boost their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, but some may need a bit of assistance getting out and about. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust Windermere in-home care professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she manages an illness and performs the daily tasks of living. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Prestige Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (407) 232-7155 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.