The spring is a wonderful time of year, isn’t it? Flowers begin to bloom, leaves grow back on trees and the days are brighter and sunnier. Now, while the weather may not yet be letting on, our new spring season is now more than a week old. In the weeks and months to come, the great outdoors are bound to become even greater! So, maybe it’s time to start planning some outdoor activities for your elderly loved ones.
If you live with one or more seniors in your home, you’ve likely encountered some opposition to the whole “going outside” thing. However, it’s actually quite imperative that your elderly loved ones get fresh air and exercise.
Here are three ways to convince them to participate in outdoor springtime activities:
1. Take their favourite activities outside.
Does the senior in your household enjoy reading the paper? Could he/she go for a good game of Scrabble? Does your elderly loved one generally have an afternoon tea? These are all daily activities that can easily be transitioned into outdoor experiences. Encourage your older relative to join you outside for one of their favourite pastimes.
“With temperatures moderated and the sun shining, spring is perfect for afternoon tea in the garden,” says The Good Care Group, “So, set a date, invite over friends and family, get out the good china and enjoy a good catch up. Encourage them to help with the preparations wherever they can so they feel a real affiliation with the event.”
2. Encourage their green thumbs.
Gardening is often seen as quite the therapeutic exercise. It’s a low-impact activity that serves to greatly beautify the exterior of your home. Spark new interest in the outdoors by informing your elderly loved one that the time has come to plant some new flowers. Promote that his/her participation is necessary in making your garden the most beautiful in the neighbourhood.
“Spring is the perfect season for growing your own mini-garden,” insists Bayshore HealthCare, “Start your own herb or flower garden. If kneeling and squatting in a garden are too hard on your joints, plant containers on your window sill or in a sunny spot indoors.”
3. Plan picnics.
There aren’t many of us who don’t like to eat. And when the weather allows for fun and comfortable outdoor eating experiences, you should make the most of it. Prepare some of your elderly loved one’s favourite eats and prepare to chow down picnic-style. It will make the process of going outside a lot of fun.
“A picnic is a real treat for anyone, combining light exercise with much-valued social interaction,” notes The Good Care Group, “You can keep things local, or load up the hamper and make a day trip of it. Conjure memories of old times by visiting a favourite spot and packing some of the foods they love.”
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we’re aware that many seniors may not like to go outdoors no matter how nice the weather is. Their fear of falling prevents them from truly enjoying the great outdoors. That’s why we’re proud to offer such mobility solutions as walkers, rollators, wheelchairs and scooters. They are all designed to make outdoor travel a lot safer.
For more information about the mobility solutions offered by Advantage Home Health Solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
