There’s nothing like a day outside to bask in the sunshine and stretch our limbs. And it’s extremely beneficial for seniors as well. Time outdoors helps provide vitamin D, which is essential for the immune system, and spending time outdoors can do wonders for improving mood and getting rid of feelings of stress. It can even be a great way to stay in shape. Whether in a senior living community or on their own, there are lots of fun activities for seniors to do outside.
Fun outdoor activities for seniors include:
- Gardening
- Touring a local attraction
- Walking around the neighborhood
- Enjoying a picnic
- Spending time in nature
Gardening
Gardening can be a great way to stay active, and it doesn’t take much more than dirt and some seeds to start. It can help slowly build flexibility while you’re weeding, and moving soil around can do wonders for your muscles (as long as you take it easy!).
But it isn’t just about your physical health. Planting a beautiful flower bed or a nutritious group of vegetables can be incredibly rewarding. It brings a sense of accomplishment and helps to reduce stress while you’re taking care of something you care about.
The beauty of a well-tended garden can bring so much joy to a person’s life. Plus, it can help bring delicious fruits and vegetables to your diet—and when you grow them yourself, they seem so much tastier!
Touring a Local Attraction
Whether you live alone or in senior living, there’s always something nearby. Why not take some time and go tour a local attraction?
For example, residents here at Polar Ridge Senior Living are near:
- The White Bear Lake Farmers’ Market
- Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
- The Wabasha Street caves, where they can join the Historic Cave Tour
- Several golf clubs
- The Raptor Center, where they can learn about birds
Whether it’s enjoying a guided tour of mines from the 1800s or buying fresh produce, there’s a little something for everyone here in North St. Paul.
Walking Around the Neighborhood
Sometimes, a good walk can be an excellent way to clear your head. It’s simple but effective and has wonderful health benefits. Walking can help to:
- Improve your heart
- Enhance your balance and coordination
- Boost bone density
- Improve muscle strength and endurance
- Assist your weight management
- Stimulate brain function
It also gives an opportunity to socialize with your neighbors. You could even start or join a walking group with the people nearby and have some fun getting to meet others. So you’re gaining all of these benefits, and all you need is a good pair of supportive shoes!
Enjoying a Picnic with Loved Ones
Enjoying a picnic with loved ones can be a fantastic way for seniors to spend time outside. It gives you time to savor food while out and about in the great outdoors and spend time with the people who love you.
It lets you catch up with the people in your life, which can strengthen familial bonds and create memories that’ll last a lifetime. You get a nice change from the usual dinner table, which can add some excitement to the routine.
Picnics allow seniors to:
- Share stories and laughter with your loved ones
- Get mental stimulation
- Lower stress levels
If your senior loved one has mobility issues, be sure to plan for a level terrain and consider bringing lawn chairs and a folding card table for comfort.
Spending Time in Nature
Sometimes, a day spent out in nature can do absolute wonders for our health. Whether it’s a park, a beach, a forest, or even just a nice patch of grass, it can be incredibly relaxing and refreshing. You can watch the wildlife, enjoy the soothing sounds of nature, and enjoy the peace and tranquility that can only be found in nature.
Here in North St. Paul, residents are close to:
- The Oakdale Nature Reserve
- The North St. Paul Urban Ecology Center, a wetland restoration area
- Silver Lake Park, where they can fish, enjoy the wildlife, and birdwatch
An Active Lifestyle for Seniors
At Polar Ridge Senior Living, we offer a wide range of services and amenities tailored for our residents to help them live enriched and fulfilled lives. Book an in-person tour or a virtual zoom tour of our community to see how we can help your loved one thrive.
