Summertime sometimes feels like it is just for kids, but seniors can also get out and play in the summertime. We have looked at 8 fun summer activities for seniors that can be easy and uplifting based on a recent article. When the sun is out, the air is warm, and there’s a nice breeze blowing, all you want to do is get outside and not miss a second of it. All the trees are green and provide shade, the flowers are in full bloom, and everything is vibrant and bright. The only thing you must decide is how you’re going to make the most of the summer months, which many of us agree are the most longed-for days every year.
There are plenty of ways for seniors to have fun in the summertime. These summer activities for seniors are some of our favorite warm weather experiences that everyone can enjoy.
1. Gardening
Summer is the perfect time to get into gardening. Whether you’re interested in growing flowers, fruits and vegetables, herbs, or all three, this is the season to do it. It’s OK if you’re not a gardening expert – this hobby is beginner-friendly, and you continue to learn as your plants grow. At Brookhouse Home, our chef uses the herb garden in his cooking, and Julia Coffin, our building and grounds director, picks fresh flowers every day to brighten up our home with fresh flowers. We love our grounds and gardens here!
Gardening also has physical and mental health benefits that help your body and mood. When you’re pulling up a weed, digging into fresh soil, or placing a starter plant into the garden, you’re increasing your dexterity and strength. You’re also likely in the sunlight. The sun is a source of Vitamin D, which boosts the immune system, and lowers blood pressure. Just remember to apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect your face from the sun’s rays and keep you a bit cooler! Gardening with others provides opportunities for socializing and connecting, which reduces feelings of isolation some seniors experience
2. Walking
This free outdoor activity is a great way to appreciate nature. You can go for a solo walk for a peaceful moment, or you can get a group of friends to chat about everything and nothing as you go for a stroll.
If you want to have more of a structured activity during your walk, you could incorporate birdwatching. Learning about the birds local to your area and how to identify them and their songs gives you the opportunity to learn about nature and personally connect with it. There are wonderful walking paths at our community and the surrounding North Shore area.
3. Have a Picnic
There’s nothing more picturesque than a traditional picnic. You have the woven basket full of delicious food, a bright checkered blanket, and a gorgeous setting to enjoy your meal. Our local favorite is the nearby Salem Willows with its water views and picnic tables.
Planning a picnic with friends or going by yourself and reading a good book is a perfect way to enjoy a summer afternoon. All you must do is figure out what you want to eat. If you were interested in the gardening activity, consider bringing home-grown fresh fruits and vegetables to eat on your picnic.
4. Play Outdoor Games
One of the most fun outdoor activities for seniors is playing lawn games. You may have played some of these games when you were a kid, but there are plenty of new lawn games to learn as well. We have the perfect grounds for a game of croquet!
5. Visit a museum
Sometimes, the summer heat can be intense, and it may be best to be inside in the air conditioning. But there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors as well. Different exhibits come through cities like ours year-round, but summer is a great time to visit nearby museums like the Peabody Essex Museum as well as Boston or north shore-based museums.
6. Go for a Swim or Dip a Toe in the Water
There’s no better way to beat the heat than swimming in a refreshing pool. Also, a trip to the seaside provides a ton of sensory stimulation – from the smell of salty sea air to the feeling of the sand between the toes. We are so close to the water at our home, but it would still be nice to walk along a simple beach and hear the waves breaking. Swimming also helps build muscle, strengthens cardio health and endurance, and can also increase flexibility. It’s also regarded as a low-impact activity.
7. See a Show or Exhibit
Going out for a summer evening in along the Derby Street waterfront is the perfect time to seek entertainment. Salem is full of visitors enjoying the beauty of the season. You can see a show at the North Shore Music Theater, Salem Cinema or any of our small theaters.
8. Still-life drawing or painting
Art can be a great activity for elderly people as it creates a sense of accomplishment, which can help them to feel happy and boost self-esteem. Painting something from still life allows for all artistic abilities and means everyone can get involved. Choosing a flower bed garden scene as the subject matter is a nice way to soak up a little sunshine at the same time. We could literally paint the seascape in front of us across from Derby Street. It features the masts of a large wooden ship and the harbor beyond. A perfect place to paint!
,
