Fun and Safe Outdoor Activities
for Seniors
Outdoor activities are especially important
for seniors to get involved with. Getting fresh air, Vitamin D, physical
activity, and the opportunity to socialize are all important for seniors to
stay healthy and happy. However, concerns over safety and well-being are valid
since the outdoors can be dangerous for seniors at an advanced age.
Physical outdoor activity is recommended for people of all ages, not just older individuals. There have been a number of studies that show just how beneficial physical activity can be for the brain. For example, one study demonstrated that physical activity can help to increase the size of the brain and improve memory. If you’re wondering how to help your senior regain some enthusiasm, positive outlook, and vibrancy back, then read our list of fun and safe outdoor activities.
Walking
Walking is a great, low-impact physical
activity that can benefit senior health and wellness. As we age, it becomes
difficult to get the same level of exercise we once did when we were young.
However, even just a
20 minute walk every day can help
strengthen your heart, reduce blood pressure, and strengthen your cardiac
muscles. Daily walking can also be
good for bones and stop bone loss
for those with osteoporosis.
Gardening
Gardening can be a great hobby for seniors to
pick up. Gardening is one of the most effective ways for seniors to maintain a
healthy active lifestyle into old age. It’s rich,
rewarding, and reinvigorates the
body. Seniors may feel stifled by having to spend time in doors so often, but
gardening offers the opportunity to reconnect with nature. Plus, they’ll get
the opportunity to soak in some sunshine and get a light workout.
Gardening can provide a sense of
responsibility and stewardship for seniors who may feel like they are lacking a
sense of purpose in retirement. If you are considering helping your senior tend
to a garden, be sure to implement proper safety measures, such as keeping tools
light, keeping the garden clutter free, and building a spot for them to sit
down and rest. Make sure they wear proper clothing and sunscreen too.
Golfing
Golfing is not just our president’s favorite
past time. It’s also a fun and low impact activity that gives seniors the
chance to be social, get exercise, and hone their physical motor skills. Use a
golf cart to reduce the amount of time spent walking in the sun and visit a golf
club outlet to speak with sales representatives about finding clubs that will
suit your senior best. You can also inquire about getting senior friendly
lessons so that they will not injure themselves during their swing. As always,
make sure your senior wears the proper amount of sunscreen.
Yoga
Daily practicing of yoga can produce real
benefits to the physical and emotional state of your senior. Across the
country, studios offer senior-friendly yoga classes that
can help them gently work muscles and joints. Your senior doesn’t have to be an
expert or even super flexible to get started with a beginner class. Instructors
generally work one on one with participants to accommodate their physical
limitations when it comes to posing. Outdoor group yoga is a great way to get
fresh air and help your senior feel rejuvenated.
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics may sound like a hassle that
your senior does not want to go through, but the truth is that water exercises
are actually a great way to get physical activity if your senior struggles with
arthritis and joint pain. Water exercises can relieve arthritis and joint pain
while increasing bone density and muscle mass. Water acts as a light form of
resistance, but it puts less stress on the muscle than traditional exercise
routines. Performing strength exercises in the water can help increase
flexibility and balance and reduce bone and muscle loss from aging.
There you have it! Engaging in outdoor
activities is a great way for seniors to stay healthy and reduce bone and
muscle loss related to aging. You can even use these types of activities as an
opportunity to spend time with your senior, or to help them socialize. And with a
HOME & AWAY mobile medical alert system from Medical Care Alert, you can always get help if you fall or have any other situation. For more
info about fun and safe senior activities, check out the Landmark blog.
About the Author
Matthew Boyle is the Chief Operating Officer
at Landmark Senior Living, a series of top rated
Assisted
Living Facilities
in the midwestern United States. He has
been working in the healthcare space for 7 years and graduated from Duke
University in
North Carolina in 2011 Summa Cum Laude. Guided by a relentless pursuit of
excellence, Matthew and the team at Landmark are dedicated to creating a
supportive environment for the elderly.
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