Summer brings with it plenty of heat and humidity, but also plenty of opportunities to spend time with your senior loved ones. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor activities, you’re sure to find something both you and your family can enjoy. A few specialized summer activities for seniors may even fit perfectly into a memory care routine.
Keep your senior loved ones happy and engaged this summer with a few simple activities! Click To Tweet
Spending Time with Your Senior Loved Ones
Not every summer activity has to be outdoors. Balance mental stimulation, comfort, and fun with one of these projects for your senior citizen family members:
- Arts and crafts
- Play music or sing
- Gardening
- Clean up the house
- Exercise
- Birdwatching
1) Arts and Crafts
You can’t go wrong with simple crafts like knitting, collages, beads, or other colorful art. Not only is this a fun activity, but it also stimulates a senior’s mind and creativity. Just make sure the craft materials are an appropriate size and material for a senior to handle safely.
2) Play Music or Sing
Help your senior loved one remember their favorite songs with this activity. Music is always an excellent way to pass the time, and listening to old favorites may jog some memories. Learn your loved one’s favorite songs and sing along with them!
3) Gardening
If weather permits, consider tending a garden. Help your loved one in their own garden or find a nearby farm or orchard that allows visitors. You’ll get some sun, enjoy some physical activity, and maybe get some fresh produce to take home as well! Your loved one is sure to enjoy the time spent outdoors.
Pro Tip: Too much outdoor time brings with it the risk of heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water and stay near a source of shade in case you or your senior loved one become too hot.
4) Clean Up the House
Most people could stand to clean house a little bit. For a senior citizen with dementia, the simple act of organizing their belongings or folding laundry stimulates mental activity and can slow memory loss. Help them clean up after preparing a meal, put away the laundry, or perform other cleaning activities.
5) Exercise
Research some senior-appropriate exercises to do with your loved one. A brisk outdoor walk is a good place to start. For a more involved workout, consider joining your loved one in a public pool for some low-impact water aerobics. Either way, you’ll be encouraging more physical and mental activity through exercise and time spent outdoors.
6) Birdwatching
For a senior who wants to spend time outside in a more relaxing manner, suggest birdwatching. Bring a reference guide to identify the birds hanging out in nearby trees or flying overhead. This calming activity is a great way to get some fresh air and sunshine without overexerting your senior loved one.
Enjoying the Summer Months
Summer offers plenty of chances for indoor and outdoor activities to boost your senior’s mental engagement and physical activity. Just make sure to enjoy the summer warmth safely. With the proper precautions in place, you’re sure to have a good time with your family member.
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