Enjoying Springtime at Any Age | Senior Living Link

Donna Mae Scheib

Enjoying Springtime at Any Age

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on May 01, 2018

Enjoying Springtime at Any Age

“No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” ― Hal Borland

After months of cold winter weather, spring emerges with warmer temperatures, sunny skies, fresh air, and longer daylight hours. No matter what age, the arrival of spring is met with great excitement. What are some ideas to help seniors enjoy springtime?

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Here are 14 ideas to jumpstart outdoor activities this spring:

  1. Walking – Simply taking a peaceful stroll is beneficial for mobility. You can observe the changing season with its new buds and colorful flowers. Stop by an ice cream shop on the route home or listen for the ice cream truck’s dinging bell if he’s in the neighborhood.
  2. Bird Watching – Whether watching birds at feeders or building nests or even looking at them from afar with or without binoculars, it is a fun way to enjoy nature. If you are lucky, you might even hear some baby birds chirping in a nest or see them learning how to fly.
  3. Picnicking – How about an outdoor picnic at a nearby park? Pack some favorites (assorted sandwiches, fruits, water and flavored juice drinks) or fire-up the grill for some hamburgers and hotdogs. Add some chips, potato salad, coleslaw, and a dessert, and you’re all set.
  4. Gardening – Perhaps you have started growing some herbs or vegetables inside, but you can transfer them outside now and/or add to a raised garden bed. There’s nothing like harvesting your own vegetables for healthy, nutritional salads or a garnish to any meal.
  5. Planting Flowers – Plant some containers of flowers that need minimal care. Pansies and petunias can tolerate colder nights until even warmer weather comes. Water them regularly and pick some to bring inside and enjoy. Or give a bunch away to a friend or neighbor!
  6. Playing Games Outdoors – Consider taking some games outside to play. Round up those favorites (Bingo, Cards, Checkers, Cribbage, Chess, and Puzzles) and set up on an available patio table or picnic table. Games are a win-win for entertainment and for mental exercise! Don’t forget some fun prizes.
  7. Fishing – Head to a lake, river, beach, bridge, or nearby pier. Take some poles and bait and you’ll be set for an afternoon of casting and swapping those ole’ fish tales. Remember to pack sunscreen and a fold-up chair and some refreshments.
  8. Kite Flying – Who said kite flying is just for kids? You can make your own simple kite (following directions on a YouTube video) or purchase one in season and then take it into flight. Many seniors will enjoy watching a kite climb in the sky, fight with the wind, and dodge the birds! Kite flying is guaranteed to bring back many a memory.
  9. Attending Outdoor Events – Music concerts, flea markets, art festivals, and farmers’ markets are all popular events in the warmer months. Find out what’s going on in your area and pick and choose.
  10. Taking Fieldtrips – How about a trip to the zoo, a folk village, or to see a parade? Or maybe there’s a great restaurant or cafe that offers outdoor seating space? Well, there’s no better time than now to experience a fun trip and take in something new or take a field trip to a tried favorite.
  11. Watching Sporting Events – Baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and track events are abundant this time of year. Whether at a local middle or high school, college, semi-pro or even professional level, check out current happenings. Pack a light jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some snacks and off you go!
  12. Golfing – Try a driving range or miniature golf and enjoy the laughter at getting close to the hole or the victory of a hole in one (or two or three)!
  13. Biking – Choose a bike for one, a bicycle-built-for-two, or a three-wheeler and plan a bike excursion around town or to a nearby destination. Biking is invigorating exercise, perfect for strengthening leg muscles and for a good cardiovascular workout.
  14. Planning an Outdoor Social – It’s party time! Think of a theme and plan the decorations, food menu (or potluck), entertainment, and party favors. Invite relatives, friends, and neighbors. Savor the outdoors and the social time.

There is plenty to do in the springtime. So, be sure to get outside and join in on some springtime fun! And along with the fun, the perks of sunshine, fresh air, and movement plus socialization will be certain to boost the senior’s quality of life.  Read more blogs at Senior Living Link! 

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