Summer Activities for Seniors

Learn How to Keep the Elderly Cool in Hot Weather With Our Professional Advice

Staying active as you grow older is essential for maintaining health and wellness. Regardless of your age, the summer months can be an excellent time for summer activities ideal for seniors. Staying active helps to promote physical exercise and mental and social engagement.

At 1Heart Caregiving Services, our professional caregivers were eager to share their favorite summer activities for seniors to enjoy. Here are their favorites…

Fishing– Heading to a local fishing spot in the morning or evening hours is a great way to have fun and is an ideal strategy for keeping cool (elderly or otherwise) in hot weather!

Picnic at a Nearby Park – Picnics are a great way to get some fresh air and fun social time for seniors and their families or caregiving companions.

Gardening – Planting vegetables or flowers outside or in window pots is an engaging summer activity for seniors that even those with limited mobility can participate in with adaptations.

Summer Reading Clubs – Local churches and libraries often offer special summer reading programs for all ages. This is a great way to get out, meet new people, and make friends!

Plan a Day Trip to a Museum – Many museums offer summer activities for free or at a discounted price for seniors. So if you’re wondering how to keep an elderly family member cool in hot weather, a trip to your local art or natural history museum may be a great excursion.

Lifelong Learning Classes – Many colleges offer special classes and summer activities especially for seniors. Taking a class in a subject you’ve been interested in helps keep the brain sharp, and interactions with other students help create a circle of like-minded friends.

Attend a Sporting Event – Whether you’re cheering on a favorite professional team or rooting for a grandchild’s little league game, heading out for a sporting event can be an exciting time for everyone.

Community Markets and Craft Shows – When warm weather arrives, many communities offer a variety of indoor and outdoor markets such as farmer’s markets, arts and crafts shows, county agriculture fairs, and flea markets. These summer activities are great not only for seniors but for the whole family!

Cool Down at a Local Pool or Lake – Spending time near the water is a great way to keep an elderly family cool in hot weather! From swimming to water aerobics class to wading and walking along the shore, it’s a great way to spend a summer day.

Head Over To The Local Mall – While malls are fun for shopping, you’re never required to make a purchase to visit one! A fun summer activity for seniors is as easy as strolling around, window shopping, and stopping by the food court for lunch or a snack. In addition, walking in a mall is often easier than outside as the floors are flat and level. This can be a safer way for older adults to get some exercise.

Bird Watching – Birdwatching can be a fun and calming summer activity for seniors and grandkids. By spending time outside, connecting with nature, and searching for diverse birds and wildlife, everyone can enjoy a warm day in their own way.

Outdoor Theater or Music Performances – Many communities offer local music events or outdoor theatre performances that seniors and their families and friends might enjoy. Pack some snacks and folding chairs and enjoy the entertainment.

Photography – Taking photos is another fun summer activity for seniors and family members of different ages. Whether you’re using a smartphone, digital camera, or an “old-fashioned” film camera, capturing memories can be a special time together.

Summer Activities For Seniors With Dementia

Seniors with dementia or other neurological illnesses can still enjoy activities with family members and caregivers but may require more structure and advanced preparation. In these instances, it’s important to know how to keep an elderly family member with dementia cool in the hot weather, as becoming overheated or dehydrated can cause significant health concerns.

Here are some light and easy activities to try with your loved ones:

1. Low-Impact Exercise

Slow walking or simple chair exercises can be very therapeutic. Sit or stand near one another so they can follow and copy your movements. Moving along to the music they may remember from childhood or young adulthood can also be very enjoyable.

2. Singing Together

Listening to music and singing can be a relaxing and engaging activity for seniors with dementia. Choose music from the seniors’ youth that they enjoyed (popular songs, religious hymns, show tunes…) and sing along together. Lyrics for most songs can usually be found online!

3. Cooking in the Kitchen

Helping out with simple kitchen tasks is one of the most effective activities for those in the early or middle stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Simple activities such as mixing cake batter, washing vegetables, or setting the table for a meal can spark memories and foster conversations.

4. Helping with Laundry

When an individual has a more advanced form of dementia, sorting and categorizing activities can be relaxing and engaging. Tasks such as sorting clean laundry, pairing socks, or folding towels can help make the person feel useful, boosting their morale and brain activity.

As you can see, summer activities for seniors can improve their physical and mental well-being as well as yours! When heading out for an excursion on a warm day, be sure to practice good safety: stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and stay out of the direct sun as much as possible. Whatever activity you do, the main goal is to be happy and stay healthy. Plan to take advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy each moment of the day!

If you’d like to know more about 1Heart Caregiving Services and the services we provide, contact us today! We look forward to helping you with your family’s needs.