Springtime, Let’s Get Active!
Spring is the start of warmer weather, longer days, and the opportunity to spend more time outside. Older adults enjoy being outside after a long winter. Whether taking a walk or doing spring chores, make it a meaningful experience and why not enjoy the time with a friend or neighbor. Taking in the scenery during a brisk walk is a healthy way to get moving during springtime.
Staying Active Improves Your Health
Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can prevent or delay many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others.
Physical activity reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements in mood and feelings of well-being. Physical activity also helps maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints as well as helping control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis.
Early Morning Exercise is Best
What is the best time of day for older adults to exercise? Early morning exercise can help your loved ones stick to their goals to stay active and well before daily plans get in the way. A morning exercise routine can help keep your loved one’s brain and body healthy with increased mental focus.
10 Great Ways to Stay Active
Springtime Activities for Senior Adults
Spring is the perfect time to consider going outdoors and exercising after a long Ohio winter. Instead of looking at exercising at something your doctor is directing you to do, look at it as the way to spend time outdoors doing activities you enjoy with family and friends.
Here are a few favorite springtime activities for senior adults:
- Go for a walk at a local park or nature trail.
- Enjoy a meal outdoors with friends or family.
- Enjoy a local tourist attraction.
- Plant a garden or possibly an herb garden.
- Visit a local garden or farmer’s market.
Now let’s look at more detailed options so you can decide which are the best for you and your friends and family to enjoy.
1.) Get Outside and Enjoy Nature
After being cooped up indoors all winter, it will feel great to get some fresh air and sunshine. Keep comfortable with plenty of layers, a hat, or even a light scarf.
For older adults who aren’t mobile, sitting in a room with windows open to the fresh air is a comfortable way to enjoy nature. They can still appreciate the trees and flowers.
Wheelchair accessible trails are a great way to get outdoors. Even if you do not require a wheelchair, you can rest assured that these trails will be wide and paved, reducing the likelihood of falls or slips on roots or rocks.
Many older adults love to visit farmers’ markets. Stroll through your local farmers’ market and shop for fresh produce, lovely flowers, and local products. You can socialize, buy fresh produce, and enjoy the sunshine, all at the same time.
Other ways to enjoy nature include:
- Walking around the neighborhood or in the park is great exercise. Walking games reward you for walking outside and exploring the neighborhood.
- Eating a meal outside or picnicking is a great way to combine social activity with outdoor activities.
- Take a scenic drive and enjoy the surroundings. Drive down a country road that you may not see very often. Take a drive to a nearby lake and enjoy a picnic lunch while you are on the drive. Simply make it a beautiful outing where you can stop and enjoy the surroundings while taking the drive.
2.) Decorate with a Spring Theme
It’s fun to mark the seasons with festive decorations. Look for some great projects and lovely décor to enjoy. Try your favorite spring colors. Add some flowers to your table, and don’t forget a festive tablecloth or table runner.
3.) Celebrate Spring with a Family Gathering
What many older adults enjoy most is spending time with family and close friends. Have a spring potluck lunch where everyone brings a dish to share.
4.) Create an Indoor Garden
Having plants around the house brings a little piece of nature indoors. Spring is a perfect time to start an indoor garden. For greenery without the maintenance, get some silk flowers instead. This will brighten your home and your mood.
5.) Gardening
Gardening is a great activity in the spring. Whether is flowers or a vegetable garden, you can enjoy your garden all summer. Don’t forget, if bending over planting in the ground is too difficult on your back or legs, you can plant in pots or a raised bed.
Plant what makes you happy. Do you want tomatoes all summer or flowers to put on your dining room table? The choice is yours!
6.) Do Some Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a good excuse to get rid of unnecessary personal items. This is a great season to go through drawers and closets, sorting, organizing, and donating.
Turn this chore into a meaningful activity. Invite friends and family over to help you and make it a social event. Getting rid of unnecessary items can make you feel so good. Enjoy going through old pictures and reminiscing about those special moments.
7.) Photography
Thanks to smart phones with built-in cameras, anyone can be a photographer. Outdoor photography is an exciting way to find a new appreciation for the beauty of nature. While you are taking a walk, watching the birds, or enjoying the spring flowers, it is the perfect time to brush up on your photography skills.
8.) Bird Watching
Did you know that people who watch birds at a bird feeder have lower anxiety and depression than those who do not? You can enjoy watching the birds from the outdoors such as a deck or a patio or indoors from the comfort of your living room if it’s too hot or humid to sit outside. Consider making this a hobby to learn more about the types of birds in your community.
9.) Spend Time with Grandchildren
Spring is the perfect time to spend with grandchildren. Consider flying a kite or exploring a new park. Remember how much you enjoyed fishing when you were young? Now it’s time to teach your grandchildren the pleasure of fishing. Whatever you choose, spring is the perfect time to make some special memories with your grandchildren.
10.) Enjoy Festivals and Community Events
Spring is the beginning of festival season and outdoor events in every large city and small town. Whether you want to enjoy festival foods or listen to an outdoor concert, there is something for everyone. Plan to take a friend or family member and make it a fun-filled day!
Make Staying Active a Priority
Exercise is good for you, so make it a priority in your daily life. Exercise has been shown to prevent disease, lower the risk of falls, improve mental health and well-being, strengthen social ties, and improve cognitive function. The residents of The Ohio Masonic Communities enjoying participating in activities just like these with their neighbors and friends. Often time, residents come up with suggestions of activities that constitute good exercise that they would like to try. The Life Enrichment teams work hard to make the suggestions a reality. Consider giving our communities, Browning Masonic Community, Springfield Masonic Community, and Western Reserve Masonic Community a look. You too can enjoy spring and keep yourself healthy while meeting new friends and neighbors.
When it comes to keeping active for senior adults, The Ohio Masonic Communities is your go to resource. With three locations in Springfield, Waterville, and Medina, OH, their senior living communities offer 24/7 care and support for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. If you and your loved one are interested in senior living, schedule a tour at one of the scenic and beautiful communities. Call (877) 881-1623 today to learn more about their great senior living options.