Summer isn’t over yet! There’s still plenty of time for outdoor adventurers, backyard gardeners, and grill masters. The summer is a great time for seniors to reconnect with healthy habits, get outside, and have some fun.
As the last few weeks of summer pass by, take advantage of everything this time of year has to offer. From fresh, healthy foods to outdoor activities that will keep you in great shape, check out these health tips for seniors who love to get outdoors this time of year.
1. Beat the Heat with Fun & Games
If you live in a place with long, cold winters, summer feels like a season of endless freedom, no matter how old you are. There’s nothing sweeter than getting outdoors and getting active, but sometimes the summer heat means exercise is out of the question.
Recognizing the need for activities, many senior living residences today offer amenities and health & wellness programs that promote not just health but also fun. For example, many All Seniors Care residences offer a variety of amenities, such as pools, ping-pong tables, mini-putt, and activity nights.
Games like bocce ball and mini-putt are perfect for getting moving on those hot summer days when more strenuous exercise might be ill-advised
2. Add Fresh Produce to Your Barbecues
Grilling is one of the best parts of the summer. Firing up the barbecue and serving up steaks, burgers, sausages, and pork chops under the stars is a time-honored tradition in plenty of households, but it doesn’t all have to be meat and potatoes.
Seniors have changing dietary needs, with an increased need for vitamin- and mineral-rich greens and produce over the starches and fats you’re likely to get at your typical barbecue.
But getting creative can go a long way. There are tons of fresh fruit and vegetables that taste better once it’s been on the grill. Try your hand grilling these healthy sides:
- Watermelon
- Peaches
- Romaine lettuce
- Pineapple
- Artichokes
- Grapefruit
- Cauliflower
- Plantains
As far as meat goes, try trading steaks for fish once in a while and benefit from their Omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Connect with Friends & Family
Everything’s just a bit harder to do once winter comes. People go into hibernation mode, and the weather can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
But as anyone who’s lived in a place with serious winters can attest, the trade-off is that summer can feel wide open. It’s the season for making plans and reconnecting with friends and family.
Take advantage of the good weather and plan outdoor get-togethers, whether it’s a barbecue with some friends or a park day with the grandkids.
Social isolation is one of the biggest mental health concerns for seniors, but planning a more robust social life can make a big difference. The health risks of social isolation include increased risk of dementia, higher risk of stroke, and higher rates of depression and anxiety.
Make the most of the summer and get outdoors, get healthy, and get connected with friends and family. There’s plenty to do and experience before the leaves begin to fall!