Getting older doesn't have to mean spending more time indoors, keeping warm, and resting. On the contrary, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that lots of fresh air and a connection to nature really boost our health in later years.
That's why we value outdoor activities in our senior living communities. Here are some of the best activities for seniors that involve exploring nature and the outdoors.
Gardening is a form of therapy for many. The colors and smells help us unwind, and the gentle sounds of nature are calming. Tending to a garden is a chance to enjoy nature's serenity and connect with nature on a physical level.
It's also a great form of gentle exercise for older adults.
Nurturing plants, digging, and weeding all require gentle movements and balance. Gardening also helps seniors feel a sense of accomplishment, and they can watch their creations flourish every day.
Gardening also helps create an outdoor community environment that is beautiful and unique for all residents.
Connecting with nature also gives seniors the opportunity to explore wildlife.
One of the most accessible and enjoyable ways to do that is bird watching. You can stay local or head to a public park. And it doesn't require much equipment other than binoculars and a guidebook.
It's a relaxing pastime that can last for hours. Sitting still and quietly observing nature is also a meditative activity that is great for mental well-being. It can also sharpen cognitive skills.
Nature walks offer two fantastic benefits. First, the chance to be in nature and experience the calming sensory environment is excellent for our mental well-being.
Second, a gentle walk is one of the best exercises available, and it's a perfect low-impact option for seniors. Walking helps the heart, supports balance, and strengthens muscles, all important factors as we age.
There is also plenty of evidence that a regular walk in nature can reduce stress and improve our mood, making it the perfect medicine for our mental health.
Nature is the perfect backdrop for a beautiful photo. And it's a hobby that anyone of any age can try.
Some may prefer to take an artistic approach here, using creative and observational skills to produce striking photos. Others may enjoy the chance to glimpse rare wildlife and capture the moment for all eternity.
Either way, it's a fun and calming pastime that seniors can do alone or with friends. And the best photos are the perfect personal decor for a senior's private residential room.
It provides a sense of accomplishment, whether from learning to use modern camera technology or finding the perfect nature scene for a picture.
A beautiful and tranquil natural setting is the perfect place to try yoga or tai chi. These exercises offer a balance of gentle physical exercise and support for seniors' mental well-being.
Outdoor activities provide an added physical benefit because seniors get all the benefits of breathing in fresh outdoor air instead of exercising in an air-conditioned room.
That can be important for seniors with lung conditions like mild COPD to manage.
Picnics are a timeless pastime and an excellent way for seniors to connect with some treasured memories. That could be particularly valuable for those seniors who have experienced cognitive decline or dementia.
Picnics are also fantastic social activities, helping seniors combat the dangers of loneliness and isolation in old age.
They can chat with others, eat plenty of delicious and nutritious food, and enjoy the beauty and sensory benefits of being in nature. Plus, it's suitable for everyone, even those with limited mobility.
Art is an excellent therapy for the elderly. It helps with fine motor skills and cognitive skills and boosts their mental health.
It's also perfect for those with a natural inclination towards creative hobbies or those who enjoyed painting and sketching in their younger years.
Being out in nature has the added benefit of providing a relaxing environment and a wealth of inspiration for those looking to create nature-inspired artwork.
If you want a senior activity in nature that supports cognitive skills, try a plant identification day. It's a chance for everyone to learn new facts about nature and possibly make rare and exciting discoveries.
It's a low-cost and easy-to-organize activity, requiring only a clipboard and an outdoor space rich in plant diversity. It's an excellent activity for those wanting gentle outdoor exercise and mental stimulation. It also contributes to environmental awareness.
Try an outdoor hike for the more physically active seniors who want to maintain an exercise regime.
It's an opportunity for the adventurous to explore some of nature's more remote and rugged parts, appreciate beautiful views, and take advantage of photography opportunities.
Residents have a chance to visit new places and see new sights.
You can also find hiking trails to suit different abilities, with shorter and flatter terrain for those with mobility challenges. Hiking provides a sense of independence, but it's also an excellent social activity.
An outdoor space is perfect for hosting a group crafting activity, combining a fun event with a tranquil natural setting.
Many ideas work in the open air, like flower arrangements, painting ornaments, or card-making activities. Crafting is also a valuable activity for seniors who want to maintain their fine motor skills.
Most craft activities are seated, so it's an excellent nature-based activity for those in wheelchairs or with mobility problems.
Exploring nature is a fantastic way to boost mental, physical, and spiritual health. Plus, a range of outdoor activities for seniors brings variety and interest to the day.
These ideas give you a picture of why our senior living community stands out from others. You and your relative can discover more by arranging a tour. Take the first step now by booking your private tour of Summer Place here.