Four Great Spring Outdoor Activities for Seniors

From young to old, everyone is getting excited about the longer hours of sunlight and the warmer temps. Spring always brings with it a sense of rejuvenation and there’s no reason why your elderly loved one can’t enjoy those feelings of rejuvenation as well by going outside and getting some fresh air and exercise.

Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Seniors

The benefits of getting outside and especially into nature are multiple, but here are just a few your elderly loved one may experience if she takes to the great outdoors for her physical activity and recreation.

• Less stress. Sunshine, fresh air, and seeing the world wake up in the spring is a great way to put aside thoughts of worry and anxiety, lowering stress levels. Focusing on movement and breathing takes away focus from problems that cannot be fixed like the economy or world politics.
• Increased Energy. Being active produces more energy than it drains. While your loved one might feel tired after getting outside in the fresh air and being active, she’ll rebound more quickly and have more energy for her next endeavor.
• Improved Mood. Being active gets those positive hormones flowing and brings about a sense of worth, well-being, and accomplishment.
• Better Connection. Seeing others outside in her neighborhood can help her connect not only with her neighbors, but with every aspect of the world around her like the nature, sounds, and smells of her hometown.

Spring is a wonderful time for seniors receiving home care to safely enjoy the outdoors and stay active in gentle ways:

1. Take short walks or rolls – A stroll around the neighborhood or along a garden path provides fresh air, light movement, and a mental lift. Mobility aids or a caregiver’s support can make this safe and enjoyable.
2. Tend to container gardens – Caring for potted plants or raised garden beds offers low-impact physical activity and a meaningful daily routine, even from a seated position.
3. Do seated exercises outdoors – Gentle stretches, leg lifts, or arm movements while sitting on a porch or in a shaded yard can help maintain strength and flexibility.
4. Enjoy nature watching – Birdwatching, cloud-spotting, or simply listening to the sounds of spring in a nearby park or yard offers a relaxing way to connect with nature without physical strain.

Finding something your elderly loved one will enjoy is the key to getting her outside and moving.

No Need to Exercise Alone When You Have a Home Care Provider

For some seniors, the biggest stumbling block they come to when initiating a new exercise routine is not having someone to join them in their efforts. While friends and families can be great partners, due to logistics, it may not always be possible.

If your loved one is looking for someone to join her as she gets outside to provide not only companionship but also an added level of safety, a home care provider can be a great resource for her. A home care provider can join her on walks around the neighborhood, help with raised bed gardening or simply enjoy sitting outside with your senior loved one. There are many opportunities for seniors and home care providers to take advantage of a nice weather day together.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Upper East Side, NY, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, Rockland today. 646-480-6266