As the summer months approach, it can be hard to find activities that are both fun and suitable for seniors. Whether you’re looking for something to do with your grandparents or a loved one living in an assisted living facility, there are plenty of great options available. From outdoor games to arts & crafts projects and memory exercises, here are ten fun activities for senior citizens. These activities have been specially designed with older adults in mind so they can enjoy the summer months and reap the benefits of staying active.
At Buckner Calder Woods, our recreational program is designed to provide seniors with exciting and engaging activities. The program focuses on providing seniors with various activities tailored to their individual needs and abilities while providing them with a safe environment to enjoy themselves. The activities in our program can help keep seniors healthy and give them a chance to socialize while they remain active during the summer season. For more information, contact us today at 409.407.7636 or online.
10 Summer Activities For Senior Citizens
Some of the most fun activities for senior citizens during the summer include:
1. Gardening
Gardening allows seniors to get out and enjoy the sun while engaging in low-impact physical activity. Not only that, gardening can be incredibly therapeutic and calming, providing seniors with an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Seniors with dementia typically find gardening to be especially beneficial in helping to decrease stress levels, improve cognitive function, and reduce symptoms related to depression. Gardening can also provide elderly individuals with the opportunity to work on their fine motor skills.
2. Swimming and Water Aerobics
Swimming and water aerobics are popular activities that provide senior citizens with age-appropriate exercise and enjoyment during the summer. Swimming is a great, low-impact activity for seniors because it can increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion with minimal joint stress. Water aerobics allows seniors to benefit from aerobic conditioning without the risk of straining their bodies or aggravating existing medical conditions.
For elderly individuals with dementia, the calming environment of the pool combined with the sensory input of the water may help reduce stress and agitation in dementia patients.
3. Painting or Pottery Classes
Painting and pottery classes are a great way for senior citizens to enjoy the summer months while also engaging in a stimulating and creative activity. Pottery classes are also an enjoyable hands-on activity that can help seniors stay active. Learning these new skills can help improve dexterity, develop manual coordination, stimulate the imagination, and give seniors something fun to do while enjoying the sunset this summer.
4. Nature Walks
Nature walks can be an ideal summer activity for senior citizens. Not only can they provide a sense of relaxation and peace, but they can also help boost physical health. Walking outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air can help seniors stay fit and feel great all summer long.
5. Chair Exercises
Chair exercises are an excellent way for senior citizens to stay active during the summer months. Not only are they easy on the joints, but they also help increase strength, balance, and flexibility. In addition, they can be done almost anywhere–-indoors or outdoors-–with minimal equipment required.
6. Board Games or Card Games
Board games and card games are great summer activities for senior citizens. These types of activities can be a fun way to keep seniors cognitively active in the summer months. Not only can these activities help stimulate mental activity, but they can also provide an occasion for social interaction among seniors in the program.
7. Visiting a Farmer’s Market
Visiting a farmers market can be a great way for seniors to enjoy the summer season while still keeping active and social. Farmers’ markets offer a variety of fresh, local produce and products, giving seniors the opportunity to browse an assortment of local goods and mingle with their community.
8. Reading in the Park with Friends
Reading at the park with friends is a great summer activity for senior citizens. Not only does it provide much-needed relaxation and socialization, but it also provides an opportunity to learn something new and keep the mind active. Reading in the sunshine can be a calming, stimulating, and healthy activity for seniors during the summer.
9. Attending Local Music or Art Festivals
Attending local music or art festivals is a great summer activity for elders to socialize and have some fun. It’s an easy way to make a day out of things and enjoy the weather while connecting with their community. Older adults often look forward to these types of events as they can spend time outside in the fresh air, interact with old friends, and even make new ones.
10. Movie Night
Hosting a movie night is a great way to get people together to relax and enjoy a movie. Movie nights can be held indoors or outdoors, with outdoor screenings being very popular in warmer climates during the summer.
These choices also may be adapted as summer activities for seniors with dementia as well, with opportunities to enable cognitive engagement and light socialization.
Making The Most Out Of Summer With Fun Activities for Senior Citizens at Buckner Calder Woods
At Buckner Calder Woods, our recreation program offers many great ways for seniors to stay active and enjoy summer. With activities like swimming, gardening, and socializing, there’s something fun for everyone! Our program also offers special activities designed specifically for elderly individuals with dementia or other cognitive issues. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor activity in nature or a low-impact indoor game that encourages conversation and socialization among senior citizens, look no further than Buckner Calder Woods. For more information, reach out to our team of experts today at 409.407.7636 or contact us online.