There’s something about spring that often makes people feel rejuvenated and eager to get outdoors. Maybe, it's from being cooped up all winter that makes the change in season so rejuvenating and urges more sunshine ventures. But it’s especially beneficial for seniors to start getting outdoors as much as possible as the days warm up.
According to the National Institute of Health, taking part in some springtime activities improve cognitive function and increase overall happiness. Even if mobility is a problem, you and your senior can choose adventures and venues that cater to the handicap or are wheelchair accessible.
Spring begins March 19, 2020. Here are seven springtime activities for you and your senior to try together as the days warm up:
- Go for a walk. Get outside and enjoy the springtime air by walking to a local park or hiking nature trails. Many parks and trails are easily accessible for seniors who have limited mobility or are wheelchair bound. Do some research ahead of time and find out which parks and trails in your area are a good fit for you and your senior loved one.
- Go for a picnic. Pack a healthy snack and a blanket for the two of you while on your walk and find a nice spot to enjoy lunch together. Bring some binoculars to enjoy some bird watching, a book or two to read, some cards to play, or just talk and enjoy each other’s company in the fresh air.
- Spring clean. There’s just something about spring that makes decluttering, organization and cleaning more enjoyable. It’s the perfect time to help your senior tidy up their home and create a more comfortable ambiance. Maybe add some spring decorations to the home such as a fresh boutique of flowers on the kitchen table, bring in some natural light and seasonal colors, and trade the cozy winter blanket for a light throw one.
- Do some gardening. Nothing says springtime like putting that green thumb to work! Plant some flowers in a small flower pot for your senior’s windowsill or plant some herbs and vegetables in the garden. The flowers can add to the springtime decorations and the senior can have something to care for and tend to.
- Visit a local farmer’s market. Fresh fruit, vegetables and local arts and crafts is a great way to inspire seniors to get outdoors. The fresh air and friendly interactions can be beneficial to them too. Here’s a tip, before hitting the market choose a recipe to cook together. Having a recipe in mind can inspire the palettes while you browse the organic food stands and adds a “mission” to search for certain ingredients making the more outing interesting.
- Visit a nursery. Nurseries are an excellent source for vibrant flowers for both indoor and outdoor decorations to add color to your senior’s home. Pick up some seeds whether fruit, vegetable or flowers and use those for the gardening suggestion mentioned above.
- Bird watch together. From their springtime chirping, to their visual beauty and entertainment, birds can provide a certain calmness only felt in nature. Perhaps invest in a bird feeder or build your own together for a little extra fun. Then put it on a patio or backyard tree and watch as a variety of birds and critters visit the feeder.
Whether it’s venturing outdoors, doing some home spring cleaning or inviting nature to the yard with a home-made bird feeder; spring, nature and sunshine can do wonders for a senior giving them a feeling of rejuvenation.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2728098/
https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/spring-activities
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED-ONE ARE CONSIDERING SENIOR CARE IN SALISBURY, NC, PLEASE CALL THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS HOME CARE. WE SERVE CLIENTS IN MOORESVILLE, STATESVILLE, DAVIDSON, CORNELIUS, HUNTERSVILLE, DENVER, CONCORD, KANNAPOLIS, AND THE CHARLOTTE METRO AREA. CALL TODAY: (704) 909-7958.