Updated: 1/22/2020
For some seniors, the summer months are not the exciting and adventurous times they once were. Instead of going on a road trip to camp or finding new local restaurants to eat at, some seniors like to stay inside their homes to keep cool and relax from the summer heat.
While relaxing is great for a little while, it’s easy to go stir-crazy after a prolonged amount of time. If you’re itching for something to do to get outside of the house, take a look at this list of summer activities for seniors.
1. Active Physical Options
Outdoor activity is great for both mental and physical health. Keeping up regular exercise helps prevent health issues caused by aging, such as decreased muscle strength, limited mobility and instability. Exercising is also great for your heart because it decreases the risk of osteoporosis.
Take a look at some outdoor activities to try this summer:
- Do some hiking. It doesn’t have to be climbing a mountain. Just find a place where you can hike easily with a little bit of a challenge. Take friends along with you – there’s nothing like a little bit of competition!
- Go to a flea market. Enjoy the company of a friend and take them to a flea market! You may love looking at the products for sale.
- Go on a picnic. Pack a lunch and find a great spot somewhere to eat your meal. Invite close friends and have a great time enjoying food in the sunshine.
- Join a sports group. Check out what groups are local, or you can look at the National Senior Games Association to become a part of the Senior Olympics! If you love staying active and don’t mind competitiveness, this may be the perfect hobby for you.
- Plan a fishing trip. Make it a weekend getaway! Plan a trip to the docks or a lake nearby to reel in all the fun! If you have grandkids, you could even have them tag along to teach them how to fish.
- Play outdoor games. Who doesn’t like playing out in the sun for an afternoon? Take a look at these fun games to play with other seniors or family members:
- Ride a bike. How long has it been since you rode a bike? Why not try again! Go with a buddy in case you get lost – and be sure to have a blast as you go through either a town or a park.
- Start gardening. Want to find out if you have a green thumb? Take a look at this article, How To Do Raised Bed Vegetable Gardens to start out!
- Take a dance class. When was the last time you hit the dance floor? Get moving and have fun when you join a dance class!
- Take a walk. Get out of the house! Take a stroll around the neighborhood with your friends or family, or head to the mall in the morning to get some exercise in before the shops open. Try going on a walk at least once a week – if not, once a day!
- Take up swimming. Swimming is a great way to have fun and get exercise – especially for seniors with arthritis. Whether you join a dedicated team or just go to the pool when you can, it definitely helps.
- Travel the world. You know that trip you’ve always wanted to take but never got around to? Now is the time! Make a plan with family members and set off to create some memories!
- Volunteer. Check around town – there are sure to be lots of great volunteer opportunities.
2. Active Mental Options
Finding ways to challenge your mind is a great way to keep it healthy. It’s easy to get stuck in the same day-to-day mindset. Make things interesting and use your mind for new things, including:
- Find a hobby. You never know what fun thing you may love. Do some exploring and find something that you can do in your spare time.
- Photography may be something you love! Practice and take pictures of your friends, family, home or town.
- Again, if you love pictures, this hobby might be for you. Take out old photos to share with your grandkids – or put new ones into a book to keep on your coffee table!
- Go see a movie. Take an evening off and go watch a movie with good company – be it friends, family members or acquaintances.
- Organize your home. Got a spare moment? Seize the opportunity to go through old draws, closets and cabinets. Donate what you don’t need to a charity or Goodwill!
- Play music. Maybe you used to play an instrument very well, or maybe you’ve never touched one in your life. Either way – music is an exciting pastime!
- Read a book (or listen to an audio book). You never know what new things you could learn or adventures you could go on while reading a book. Make a trip to the library to pick one out.
- Take a class. If you love learning, consider joining a class! Take one on architecture, history, biology – whatever floats your boat.
- Pick up a pen. Another productive activity is writing. Either getting what you’ve learned over the years written down, or finally developing that children’s book idea – get started writing this summer!
These are just a few of our ideas on how seniors can have a great summer without being cooped up inside or bored all day long.
Tell us your thoughts below; what summer activity will you decide to embark on?
