Summer is a great season to spend extra time with the special people in your life, including elderly friends and relatives. While seniors may experience unique needs related to their health, age and mobility, there are plenty of fun indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.

When the weather is too hot or humid to be outdoors for an extended period of time, there are plenty of indoor options. The most important thing is to keep active with activities that stimulate your mind and allow you to socialize with others.

Get creative

Crafting is a great way to tap into your creativity and imagination. Making jewelry, scrapbooking, knitting and ceramics are all ways to learn a new skill and create a keepsake. If your elderly loved one has difficulty gripping, consider getting a younger relative or friend to help cut and paste.

Learn something

Taking a class can be both entertaining and educational. Many universities, museums, community centers and places of worship offer guest speakers, lecture series or continuing education classes tailored to seniors.

Join a club

Attending a club meeting is a wonderful way to visit with others and develop new friendships while enjoying a favorite activity. There are book clubs, card game clubs, movie clubs and dinner clubs, to name a few.

Volunteer

Volunteering is another positive way to engage with elderly loved ones and contribute to the community. Identify causes that matter to your senior – such as serving meals to the homeless or working at a local animal shelter – and seek opportunities to make a difference.

Visit a museum or cultural institution

Visiting a museum or cultural institution is another interesting indoor activity that can be both educational and stimulating. Walking in crowded places, or even walking and talking, can improve the health of the brain and body.

This summer, there are also plenty of fun and low-cost activities for seniors to enjoy outdoors. To stay safe in the sun, be sure to protect yourself by limiting exposure, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, covering up with light clothing, and wearing a hat and sunglasses.

Work in the yard

Working in the yard is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the benefits of green space. There is increasing evidence that gardening on a regular basis is beneficial to a person’s mental and physical health.

Go on a picnic

Sharing an outdoor picnic with friends and family reduces isolation and allows us to enjoy a meal with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s also an opportunity to trade favorite recipes, share stories and create new memories.

Play a game

Low-exertion outdoor activities like bocce ball, shuffleboard and croquet are fun games that require little physical exertion. They may also evoke fond memories for seniors even if they have mobility, vision or cognitive issues.

Finally, whether you’re spending time indoors or outdoors with elderly loved ones, there are plenty of fun and engaging activities to enjoy during the summer months. By staying active and socializing with others, seniors can experience many physical and mental health benefits while discovering new ways to enjoy life to the fullest.

Pacific Federal is a Zenith American company and subsidiary of Harbour Benefit Holdings, Inc.

Summer Fun for Seniors