Soon, the vibrant days of summer will transition into a crisp and breezy autumn forecast. But before the temperatures drop too much, senior adults have a unique opportunity to embrace what still remains of these warmer months. With balmy weather and gentle sunshine, it’s the perfect time of year for fun, enriching activities. From outdoor recreation to indoor hobbies, here’s how to savor this final stretch of summer.
Soak in the Beauty of Nature
According to research from the Scientific Reports Journal, nature-based activities can enhance the mental and physical well-being of adults over age 65. Seniors who frequently immerse themselves in nature report healthier blood pressure, heart function, cholesterol levels, a positive mood state, sharper cognition, and a lower risk of depression or anxiety. Here are a few accessible ways to reap the benefits of nature this season:
- Find a Walking Trail: Local nature preserves, botanical gardens, and other outdoor trails will offer a leisurely backdrop for scenic views. You could even bring a pair of binoculars and keep an eye out for wildlife.
- Pack a Picnic Lunch: What’s tastier than an al fresco meal with a soundtrack of rustling leaves and chirping birds? Fill a basket with your favorite munchies, grab a cozy blanket, then head to the park and have yourself a picnic.
- Stargaze After Dark: As the daylight hours shorten, it’s an ideal time to stargaze. Whether you scope out an unobstructed area to watch the constellations form or tour an exhibit at the local planetarium or observatory, those vast night skies will captivate your imagination all season long.
Discover Unique Local Events
Once the summer heat index cools off, many communities will host outdoor festivals, concerts, and other local attractions. Check your area’s event calendar for a rundown of the upcoming end-of-summer activities you can participate in over these next several weeks. Whether you’re looking for pure entertainment, cultural immersion, or anything in between, don’t miss out on all the seasonal fun happening in your own community:
- Live Music Events: From local band showcases to intimate acoustic sessions to open-air concerts or music festivals, enjoy the ambiance of a live performance.
- Art Exhibitions: Stroll through a sidewalk art festival that features new local talent, or visit a museum or gallery with pieces curated from all across the globe.
- Farmer’s Markets: Many colorful fruits and vegetables reach their season’s peak during the final summer months, so snag your favorites at the farmer’s market.
- Cultural Festivals: From the Diwali Festival of Lights to Hispanic Heritage Month and more, late summer is known for diverse cultural festivals to celebrate the transition of seasons with regional food, music, entertainment, and unique traditions.
Take Up an Exercise Regimen
Most healthy seniors over age 65 should aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This includes aerobic- strength-, and balance-related activities. Not only does a consistent fitness regimen provide all sorts of wellness benefits, but it can also be enjoyable if you choose the right exercise. The options below are fun and easy to adapt to your comfort level.
- Yoga or Tai Chi: These low-impact exercises combine gentle, fluid movements with conscious breathing to promote flexibility, balance, strength, mobility, and stress relief. Many local parks or outdoor venues offer free group classes, too.
- Gardening: It’s so therapeutic to dig your hands in the earth – and it’s a simple way to work some light exercise into your routine. Grow various produce, herbs, flowers, and other plants in a backyard garden or even on the windowsill.
- Water Aerobics: If you can access a pool, consider trying water aerobics. This full-body workout will help increase muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and overall range of motion. Plus, it won’t cause strain on your joints.
Learn a New Adaptive Hobby
If you have specific health or mobility issues that make it difficult to be outside, no problem! There are tons of accessible indoor activities to enjoy as well. These adaptive hobbies will arouse your senses, evoke your imagination, stimulate your brain, and strengthen your fine motor skills. Not to mention, you can do them just about anywhere.
- Birdwatching: You don’t have to be directly in nature to enjoy birdwatching still. Find a large window, patio, or deck, then observe these colorful winged animals to your heart’s content. You can even sketch or journal your findings.
- Arts and Crafts: Whether you prefer to knit, crochet, draw, or paint, creative hobbies are excellent for increasing joint function and motor dexterity. Artistic pursuits also have a soothing effect on reducing stress and improving mental health.
- Musical Instruments: Here’s another activity to boost your motor control and sharpen your mind. Learn a new instrument or return to an old favorite – either way, unleashing your inner musician is a rewarding experience.
- Language Learning: Have you ever wanted to communicate in German, Spanish, Mandarin, or Arabic? Challenge yourself to learn another language this summer. It’ll hone critical thinking, mental recall, and other executive functions.
- Book Clubs: Whether you love personal memoirs, historical fiction, crime thrillers, or romance novels, join a book club – or even start one with friends or family members. Reading is more fun when you make it a social event.
- Movie Reviews: Are you a film connoisseur always looking for a new movie to watch? Put that cinematic expertise to use and write your own film critiques. You can also post them online to connect with other passionate movie fans.
Summer Isn’t Over Yet, Make the Most Of It!
As the summer warmth fades into brisk autumn temperatures, seize the moment, create fun memories, and embrace this rejuvenating shift. Now is the perfect time of year to reclaim a favorite hobby or explore a new activity. So what are you waiting for? Make the most of these late summer months and immerse yourself in the simple joys of life.