Article Contents
Summer is almost upon us, and whether you can brave the heat or not, we can all agree that summer means fun activities! Now, while getting caught up in the heat and relaxation is easy, staying active is essential for overall health and well-being, especially for seniors in retirement!
Fortunately, seniors can enjoy plenty of fun and engaging activities during the summer months. From outdoor adventures to indoor hobbies, if you are a senior, there are numerous ways to stay active and enjoy the summer! However, before we move towards the top 10 senior activity ideas for summer, let us dive into the benefits of staying active first and foremost!
Benefits of staying active for seniors over 55+
Leading an active life is essential to staying healthy, especially for seniors. It does not matter if you live in nursing homes, independent living facilities, or in the comforts of your own home; seniors always stay active.
Engaging in physical activity regularly has been shown to have numerous benefits, both physically and mentally. Let us take a look at why!
Improved physical health
Regular physical activity helps seniors maintain a healthy weight, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce the risk of chronic health diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. In addition, physical activities are stimulating and significantly improve cardiovascular health. If you are an older adult living in a retirement home, you can always try activities with seniors living in such a community.
Better mental health
Staying active can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving mood and cognitive function in seniors. Exercise releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones that promote a sense of well-being and reduce stress. Being active is an important activity for seniors itself. Even those seniors with cognitive health problems will find stimulating activities helpful for their mental health.
Socialization
If you are looking for activities to do with seniors, then participating in physical activities like jogging, Tai chi, or yoga provides excellent opportunities for seniors to connect with others and develop new friendships. The best social activities for seniors are to be in each other’s company and try their hand at as much activity as possible together. Socialization can improve mental health and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Increased independence
Continuing to be active can help seniors maintain their independence and ability to perform daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. Even in assisted living communities, where seniors will need support with ADLs, being active can give them a sense of accomplishment and boost their confidence. This can improve their quality of life and reduce the need for assistance.
Top 5 senior activity ideas for you to try!
If you are looking at some ideas for senior’s activities and want a good read, you have come to the right place. Here are the top 5 ideas for seniors’ activities in summer you must know!
Stay active outdoors
Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy nature. There are many ways to stay active and enjoy the beautiful weather, from gardening to outdoor fitness classes. Activities like walking or cycling can provide impactful exercise for the body without causing too much strain. While at the same time, swimming and water aerobics can offer a fun and refreshing way to stay active and cool off the summer wave!
Get creative with arts and crafts
Arts and crafts activities can be fun and relaxing for seniors. Not only that, arts and crafts activities can be highly therapeutic as well. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or knitting, these activities for elders can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. In addition, joining a local art class or a crafting club offers a social outlet and the opportunity to meet new people.
Explore new hobbies and interests
Summer means more than just pools and BBQs! It is the perfect time to try new things and explore new hobbies. For example, seniors can find joining a book club, taking a cooking class, or learning a new language both fun and intellectually stimulating. According to research, engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia. In addition, seniors in memory care facilities can explore new hobbies and interests with the help of their respective caregivers.
Volunteer and give back to the community
Sometimes, the best way to get back is to give back. Volunteering can be a fulfilling way to stay active and positively impact the community. Not only are seniors setting an example for the next generation, but it helps to give back to the community by volunteering. If you are an older adult looking for activities with seniors to participate in, start volunteering! It can be a great way to make friends in the senior living community!
Stay connected with family and friends
Social isolation can be a significant issue for seniors, especially during summer when families and friends are frequently on vacation. Yet, this can be the best activity a senior can take part in. Just pick up the phone or the tab and get connected. Seniors can also host a family BBQ, attend a community event, or join a social club. Social engagement can help reduce the risk of depression and cognitive decline.
Fun activities for seniors in summer that are worth it
Now for the fun activities! With the summer season fast approaching, seniors may be looking for fun and engaging activities to keep themselves active and healthy. In addition to the top 5 ideas we listed above, seniors can enjoy many other great activities during the summer months!
Water activities
Water activities can usually mean one thing, pool! Water activities like swimming at the pool or hitting the beach are great activities that are appropriate for seniors. In addition, activities such as swimming, water aerobics, and kayaking are great for keeping seniors occupied, active, and, most important of all, enjoying the summer heat!
Outdoor games
Outdoor activities are essential, but let’s narrow it down even more. Seniors can play numerous fun outdoor games with friends and family, such as horseshoes, bocce ball, and croquet. In addition, seniors can go out and even enjoy a chess match in the park if they want to sit and relax!
Gardening
The benefits of gardening for seniors greatly outweigh other activities for summer! It is calming, keeps them active, and is great physical exercise. In addition, gardening helps with stress relief and improved mood.
Mind-body activities
Exercising the body is excellent, but how about the mind? Seniors who actively participate in activities such as yoga, Tai chi, and meditation will find it is great for their mental health. Having a sound mind and being at peace with meaningful activities can significantly boost seniors’ mood and physical health!
Traveling
Let us discuss the benefits of travel for seniors and provide tips for a safe and comfortable journey. Because traveling is one of the best summer activities, a senior person can take part in it. Summer is always the best time to travel around the world and visit exotic or historic locales. Seniors can opt to travel indie to America as well. There are numerous travel opportunities specifically designed for seniors, such as group tours and even cruises. Cruises are ideal for seniors, as they can be relaxing, and you get to visit multiple countries in one go.
Some more unique activities to try:
- Fruit picking with friends or family
- BBQ over the grill in a park or backyard
- Trying arts and crafts
- Senior-friendly sports (like mini golf, for example)
- Volunteering activities
Bonus ideas for activities for seniors
Fishing and hiking! If you love water activities, then you have to try fishing. Seniors love to fish as it is a calming and relaxing activity. Nothing beats waiting for the fish to catch the bait and be reeled in a while enjoying a natural scenic setting.
And if that is not someone’s cup of tea, they can always opt for going hiking. Hiking can be an excellent activity for seniors as long as they do not push their limits, especially in high temperatures. Overall, with proper planning and precautions, summer can be an excellent time for seniors to enjoy the outdoors through hiking. Please read our article below to get a better idea of hiking for seniors!
Hiking for Seniors: Everything You Need to Know
Final thoughts
The best way to beat the heat and any underlying health issues is to start being active. Leading a healthy and active lifestyle is essential if you are over 55+, and summer is the best time! As a senior, feel free to try new things and connect with others.
There are many fun and engaging ways to stay healthy and active, from outdoor activities to creative pursuits. By taking advantage of the warm weather and the many activities available in the community, seniors can enjoy a fulfilling, meaningful summer and stay healthy!
FAQs
What are some popular activities for seniors?
There are several activities that are popular among senior citizens, especially in retirement communities, like assisted or independent living. They include walking, yoga, swimming, dancing, gardening, and golfing. These activities help seniors stay active and engaged while also providing social opportunities.
What are some fun indoor activities for senior citizens?
Puzzles, board games, card games, arts and crafts, and reading make for excellent and fun indoor activities for seniors. These activities not only keep seniors entertained and mentally stimulated, but they also provide opportunities for socializing and connecting with others.
What are some fun activities when it’s crazy hot outside?
When it’s hot outside, seniors can enjoy plenty of fun indoor activities. Some examples include going to the movies, visiting a museum or art gallery, attending a concert or play, trying out a new recipe or cooking together with family or friends, or simply enjoying a cool beverage and chatting with loved ones.
What are some May activity ideas for seniors?
May is a beautiful time for seniors to engage in various activities, especially with the warm weather and blooming nature. From outdoor activities to indoor ones, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some popular May activity ideas for seniors include gardening, nature walks, picnics, bird watching, visiting local historical sites, art classes, and participating in community events.
