By Maria Burke, RN
Owner, Celtic Angels Home Health Care
Summer will be here before you know it, so it’s time to start thinking of all the joy-filled things you’ll do! And fortunately, there are plenty of ways seniors can both stay safe and enjoy the summer.
Need a few suggestions? Here are six fun summer activities seniors can enjoy:
1. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue. According to a survey conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association, 64% of seniors report that enjoying a picnic or barbecue is their favorite summer activity. And it’s something most seniors can participate in. Whether you have a picnic at the beach, a neighborhood barbecue, or just eat lunch in the backyard or on your front porch, enjoying an outdoor meal is always a good time.
2. Birdwatching. As the warm weather returns, so do the migratory birds. Try enjoying them in all their splendor by going birdwatching. Take a walk around a local park or nature reserve and see how many species you can find. Or set up a bird feeder in your backyard and bring the birds to you. Best of all, even seniors who are unable to leave their beds can enjoy birdwatching if you set up a feeder outside their window. Give it a try!
3. Attend a community event. Seniors often miss being in the community, so if your senior loved one doesn’t have health conditions that would make an outing unsafe, attend a community event this summer. Concerts, fireworks, outdoor theater, community barbecues, celebrations, festivals, sports games, and art exhibits are all excellent options.
4. Go fishing. Many seniors enjoy fishing, and it’s an activity that is easily adapted for all abilities. If the senior in your life doesn’t have mobility limitations, take a boat ride and fish on a lake. Alternatively, fish from chairs (or wheelchairs) at the edge of a lake, stream, or pond. And if your senior loved one can’t leave the house, try a fishing game with toy fish and plastic poles. The one who catches the most fish wins!
5. Play in the water. Is there anything better on a hot summer day than cooling off in the pool? Seniors should get to enjoy the water, too! Many community pools have senior swim times that are perfect for seniors to swim with their peers, and many accommodate disabilities, too. However, if your senior loved one isn’t able to go to the pool, consider filling a wading pool or plastic bin to soak their feet instead. It’s sure to bring welcome relief from the summer heat!
6. Have a frozen treat. A delicious frozen treat is always appreciated during the summer. So go out for ice cream or host an ice cream social with friends. Enjoy shaved ice while listening to music in the backyard. Or make homemade popsicles to help your senior loved one stay hydrated. And remember, if you make your own treats, it’s easy to accommodate dietary restrictions. Puddings, juice, and even bananas make delectable frozen treats.
Summer is a wonderful time of year, so help your senior loved one enjoy it to the fullest! But don’t forget to make sure seniors always have plenty of protection from the sun, stay hydrated, and can quickly move indoors to cool off if the heat becomes too much.
Does your senior loved one need a little help to enjoy the summer this year? From playing games and going on outings to providing the personal and skilled nursing care, your senior loved one needs to stay safe and healthy. We at Celtic Angels are happy to help. Contact us today for an appointment at www.celticangelsinc.com or 781-331-0062.
