Beat the Heat with Senior Friendly Summer Activities

Summer is the season for heading outdoors in assisted living Fort Collins. However, some older adults may not take full advantage of the season due to fear of heat exhaustion, falling, or becoming overly fatigued. It is possible for seniors to safely enjoy the outdoors with a little preparation and appropriate pacing. Here are five outdoor activities to help older adults to incorporate movement into summer while maintaining health and safety.

Start the day with a nature walk. 

Find a local park, botanical garden, or arboretum with a flat and shaded trail system. Head out early in the day, before the heat and humidity of the day builds. Wear a lightweight daypack with water, a snack, and a charged cell phone. If there is a risk of uneven ground, consider using walking poles for additional support. Walk with a friend or join a community walking group.

Try picnic bingo. 

Create a bingo card with summer images such as butterflies, red umbrellas, or children flying kites. Find a picnic pavilion with lots of shade and a nearby park. As you walk to and from park benches, complete your bingo card by seeing items on the card. This activity works on cognitive and visual recognition skills and allows for short bouts of walking.

Practice chair yoga on the patio. 

Many memory care, have free online chair yoga videos for their members. Set up folding chairs under a patio canopy or umbrella. Have a glass of cool cucumber water on hand and enjoy a 20 minute video that helps keep your joints loose without overworking your heart. Place the chair on a flat surface to prevent it from tipping over.

Grow a container garden. 

Container gardening is a great way to enjoy herbs and flowers without the bending and kneeling required by a garden in the ground. Set up pots at waist level and use long handled tools to minimize bending. Select herbs and flowers that are drought tolerant such as rosemary and marigolds. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and mist yourself at the same time.

Fly model airplanes or kites. 

Flying a kite or model airplane is a fun way to relive childhood and to work on shoulder mobility. Head to a large, open field with soft grass to provide cushioning in case of a fall. Wear comfortable athletic shoes that provide support and bring a lightweight folding stool for sitting. Limit sessions to 30 minutes and take breaks in the shade if you start to feel overheated.

Summer volunteering.

This is a great way to have purpose while getting safe activity. Local historical societies often need tour guides for outdoor exhibits in the shade and local animal shelters always need gentle dog walkers early in the morning. These volunteer opportunities are meaningful, can expand social networks, and provide movement at an appropriate pace in Alzheimers care Fort Collins.