In some ways, summer can be as much of a challenge as winter. Expectations are high, but so are the heat, humidity and chances of severe weather. For seniors, who especially need the vitamin D that the sun provides for brain, bone and muscle health but are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, the season can be doubly challenging. Still, it has rewards of its own, according to Connecticut senior home care agency”¯Assisted Living Services Inc.
“Summer is the ideal time to break out of the usual routine, particularly for seniors who live alone and find it difficult to enjoy life outside of the home,” said Mario D”™Aquila,”¯COO”¯of Assisted Living Services Inc. (ALS) in Westport and Cheshire. “Every town offers numerous outdoor community events that provide opportunities to socialize with old friends, connect with new people, including children, and soak up some sun.”
With another five weeks of summer, D”™Aquila shares 10 activities that both older adults and their caregivers will enjoy, with some ideas from agingcare.com:
- Garden ”“ From a small container to a vegetable patch, planting flowers and plants offers daily outdoor tasks along with tracking their growth.
- Catch a sporting event ”“ Attending a grandchild”™s soccer game or a professional baseball game can be an action-packed way for older adults to reconnect with one of their favorite pastimes.
- Fish for fun ”“ Even if elders have mobility problems or use wheelchairs, they can still cast a rod from a dock or pier. Check your state”™s tourism or parks and recreation websites to see if they provide listings of Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)- compliant fishing locations. Many areas have also started offering all-terrain wheelchairs for rent that can help those with mobility issues get closer to the water.
- Be a tourist ”“ Take an open-air bus or trolley tour to see the local sights in the nearest city. A boat tour is also an option. A drive around town can also allow a senior to check out happenings in the community of interest.
- Take a dip ”“ For some folks, this might entail putting a foot in the pool, while others may be able to handle low-impact water aerobics. If a senior is willing and able, spending some time in the pool is an excellent way to incorporate some physical activity into a routine that seems more like relaxing than a workout.
- Have an outdoor picnic ”“ Picnics can be at a park, in your own backyard or on the surrounding grounds of a long-term care facility. Prepare favorite recipes together. At the park, seniors can watch children run around and enjoy the buzz of outdoor activity. Make sure to locate an area with comfortable seating and plenty of shade in advance or remember to bring an outdoor umbrella.
- Attend community events ”“ Look for happenings such as outdoor musical performances, art shows, car shows, flea markets, festivals and more that fit the senior”™s interests and abilities.
- Go out for a treat ”“ Most seniors have a favorite snack or restaurant that picks their spirits right up. If the weather is nice, enjoy your goodies at a patio table. Make it an adventure by creating a list of top ice cream places or dining hot spots to visit across the state throughout the summer.
- Be an animal lover ”“ This could be as simple as sitting outside and enjoying the sights and sounds of a birdhouse, bird feeder or birdbath in the yard, or it could mean an outing to the zoo or a local dog park.
- Go for a stroll ”“ It can be around the neighborhood or through a botanical garden. Have a goal to increase and track the distance of each walk.”¯
“We have found in our more than 27 years of experience caring for seniors that having someone to go on outings, take a walk or just to talk to makes the greatest difference in the daily lives and overall physical, mental and cognitive health of our clients,” said D”™Aquila.”¯“Our caregivers provide a crucial social connection by also providing transportation to visit friends or attend religious services.”
If seniors are reluctant to go out based on concerns about falling, ALS utilizes Personal Emergency Response Systems and other safety technological devices. Seniors can be assured that help is available at the touch of a button or devices equipped with Fall Detection can dial 911 directly. Wi-Fi location technologies enable care specialists to locate the user in an emergency.
“Taking clients shopping or to the senior center is more than getting a person from A to B safely,” he added. “Great care is about providing a trusting and supportive relationship that enables elders to engage in the activities and social events they love and visit the people and places they miss.”
