The summertime is about to arrive, so it’s time for your loved ones to take out their shorts and sunglasses and be prepared to head outdoors. Do you know that according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults who are aged 65 and above should participate in some sort of physical activity for at least two and a half hours each day? If it’s possible, the activities should take place under the sun as this allows participants to produce vitamin D in their bodies, which helps in reducing risks of depression and poor mental health. This is why here at Mariposa, our Celebrations Activities and Events lifestyle program provides opportunities for residents to keep themselves busy with various activities daily. Here are some summer activities your loved ones might enjoy.
Gardening
Gardening brings about many benefits for loved ones. Not only does it provide a sense of purpose, but it also allows loved ones to get some light exercise each day, especially for those who aren’t as physically mobile and unable to leave the house. Gardening requires loved ones to dig, weed, and cut plants, and these tasks can allow the body to work up a sweat. What’s more, gardening is also a social and recreational activity, which means that your loved ones will never feel bored as they can mingle with friends and even form new connections through the mutual love of gardening. To make gardening even more fun, we recommend your loved ones grow produce that can be used in the kitchen as well.
Hiking
Depending on where your loved ones are currently residing, hiking can be a great way to increase heart rate and keep the body healthy. For example, at a retirement community like Mariposa, there are a number of hiking trails strewn around Lake Worth, Florida. Your loved ones can simply wear on the appropriate gear and take a walk while admiring the beautiful wildlife and greenery. For loved ones who are in wheelchairs, you can look out for hiking trails that are paved and flat in order to ensure that your loved ones can stay comfortable throughout the hiking journey.
Have A Picnic
A picnic is always a wonderful way for loved ones to catch up with their friends or family. Unfortunately, it’s an activity that depends largely on the weather. As such, make use of the summertime to host a picnic and bring along your loved ones as well. Look for parks or any designated areas that allow picnics and have a potluck. You should probably know by now that food bonds people together, so if your loved ones are looking for activities in which everyone can participate, a picnic is the answer.
Swimming
If your loved ones are relatively active and enjoy leading an active lifestyle, they would most likely enjoy swimming. During the summertime, the waters are warm, making it comfortable for swimming and other water-based activities to take place. Here at Mariposa, we highly recommend water-based activities for older adults as they do not put too much stress on their bodies, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries occurring. It does not only have to be swimming. Other water-based sports many loved ones enjoy taking part in include aerobic exercises like aqua jogging and deep walking.