Fulfilling Summer Activities for Seniors

While it may be hard to beat the heat, there’s still plenty of opportunity to get out and find an enriching hobby for your senior. As a caretaker or loved one, finding ways to help the older adult in your life stay active, engage their mind, and find community is essential. Check out 10 simple summer activities for older adults that won’t break the bank.

How a Regular Summer Activity Can Improve Your Senior’s Quality of Life

If you prioritize enriching your senior’s life, you’ve come to the right place. Young people aren’t the only ones who can enjoy a life of leisure during summer break! Finding engaging and meaningful activities is important, especially with the challenges many elderly individuals face. Issues like social isolation, loneliness, and lack of independence are significantly heightened for people needing personal care services.

Taking part in summer activities has been shown to afford benefits like:

Improved cognitive function and mental health
A decreased risk for chronic disease
Improved mobility
Increased self-esteem and social bonds
A greater outlook on life and aging

10 Summer Activities Seniors and Their Caregivers Can Enjoy

While taking part in summer activities takes a bit of pre-planning, caretakers and seniors alike can enjoy the following activities:

1. Swimming and Water Aerobics

What better way to cool off in this heat than by swimming? Whether indoors at the local recreation center or outdoors at the community pool, take a cold dip in the water and relax. Or, if you want to add a bit more exercise in the mix, swim a few laps or sign up for a water aerobics class to keep you active.

2. Enhancing a Craft

Whether painting, clay making, crocheting, or woodworking, consider honing in on a craft that’ll keep your brain active and help you express your creativity. It doesn’t matter if it’s a hobby you’re picking up for the first time or a long-term project you’ve been working on for years—an arts and crafts-based activity of any kind can do wonders for your fine motor skills and enhance your concentration levels.

3. Trying a New Summer Recipe

Cooking is a wonderful creative activity that can serve as many things—an expression of love, a love letter to your body, or a chance to feel good while you enjoy a delicious meal—your choice! Even if you’ve been cooking for decades, one of the best ways to shake things up is by trying a new recipe to challenge your skills and increase your palate. Consider making a summer-themed recipe incorporating many fruits and veggies that taste best during this time of year, like tomatoes, berries, corn, etc.

4. Spending Time on the Lake

Swimming isn’t the only water activity you and your senior can participate in. Take a few day trips down to the lake to enjoy the cool breeze and atmosphere. Consider renting a boat (or if you own one, even better) while you ride the waves and take in the open, fresh air. If you’re feeling particularly festive, look into some relaxing dinner cruises you both can enjoy while the sun sets.

5. Tending to the Garden

Always a favorite activity for seniors, gardening is a relaxing and light aerobic hobby that anyone can participate in. Keep those buds you planted in the spring in good shape by deep watering, fertilizing, and weeding. Feel the pride and comfort of caring for a new investment while waiting for the harvest.

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6. Seeing a Summer Blockbuster

Summertime is one of the most popular seasons for movie releases, and there are lots of films for all genres out right now. See a funny, romantic, action-filled, or dramatic movie while enjoying leisurely time. Many theaters offer Tuesday movie deals, and if being an early bird is your calling, you can avoid the hustle and bustle of an overcrowded screening.

7. Visiting an Outdoor Craft Show or Festival

Many pop-up shops, craft shows, and festivals appear during the summer. Take the time to enjoy the lively atmosphere and fun scenery while you appreciate some great art, eat wonderful food, and support local artists. You may even get to enjoy participating in some crafts yourself!

8. Taking a Fishing Trip

The warmer months can bring some of the best fishing opportunities, which is one of the most engaging activities for minimal physical strain. Get your fishing hat, pole, bait, and ample sunscreen while you find a shady spot, and spend some quality time with friends and family members.

9. Joining a Book Club

There are always more books to read! Consider joining a book club through a local library, church, or community center. Ensure you’ve found a book you’re interested in and explore a new world of information as you build meaningful social connections. And even if your book isn’t the most compelling thing ever, you can simply enjoy the conversation.

10. Going Fruit Picking

Not only is fruit picking an excellent opportunity to snag some fresh and potentially exotic fruit, but it’s also a great way to get some light exercise and fresh air. Consider making this activity a family event where the grandkids can enjoy seeing how fruit grows up close and even taste some delicious cider!

Let AVCC Help Connect You With a Home Care Provider Today

Don’t let a lack of access to adequate health resources stop your senior from enjoying a relaxing summer. If your loved one needs home health care services, secure them today through American Veterans Care Connection.

We understand the difficulties Veterans, their surviving spouses, and family members face in navigating complex paperwork and securing their benefits. With our connections to an experienced network of care providers nationwide, you and your loved one can receive quality support when needed.

Need more information? Reach out to the team at AVCC today.