Ways to Enjoy the Spring Season with Seniors

The joyful sights and sounds of the spring season are finally here! The trees and flowers are in bloom, the days are growing longer, and warmer weather is in store. The warming sunshine is a much welcome change from the cold and dreary days of winter. Spring is the season that’s full of hope for things to come…a renewal so to speak. There’s just something about this time of year that puts everyone in a joyful mood. No group of people deserves to enjoy and celebrate the spring season more than seniors who reside in assisted living communities.

The colder temperatures in the winter months can have an adverse effect on the circulation and mobility of seniors, which often leads to seniors being cooped up indoors for weeks or months at a time. This also often leads to periods of anxiety or depression. The best solution for shaking off these “winter blues” is to find fun outdoor activities that you and your senior loved one can enjoy together this spring season.

We’ve created a list of fun spring activities with something for everyone. Just because your loved one is now older doesn’t mean you can’t continue building fun new memories together. These senior-friendly activities are sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

– It’s the perfect time of year to visit your local farmer’s market to enjoy the fresh flowers and veggies in season. The alluring flavors, sounds, and smells of spring are always enjoyable. The opportunity for people watching is a an added bonus.

– People watching is always a fun and easy outdoor activity. Sitting outside in a public area like a park, coffee shop, cafe, restaurant, or bakery is a great, free activity for seniors whose health or mobility issues may keep them from participating in other activities.

– After visiting the farmer’s market, why not create a spring-inspired meal together with the fresh produce you purchased? Cooking is a great way to bond and an activity most everyone enjoys.

– If your senior loved one enjoyed fishing when they were younger, there’s no reason to stop now that they are older. Just be sure you are able to offer assistance if or when they need it.

– Another outdoor activity that is loved by people of all ages is feeding ducks at a pond. This is a great activity to include even the youngest family members.

– Taking a walk around the neighborhood or nearby park is a great way to get your senior loved one outdoors to enjoy some fresh air and the sights and smells of spring. Paved walkways make it easier for seniors with mobility issues to enjoy the great outdoors.

– If severe mobility issues prevent a walk in the park or around the neighborhood, take advantage of days when the weather is nice to sit outside on the porch or patio. It’s a great opportunity to bond through conversation while enjoying a refreshing beverage or cup of coffee.

– Spring is the perfect time of year to start potted plants, or plant border flowers or herbs in the garden. If your loved one is physically unable to assist with the planting, you can still allow them to be involved by allowing them to help choose the plants.

– Whether you buy a bouquet of flowers from the farmer’s market or grocery store, or pick them fresh from the garden spring offers the perfect opportunity to display fresh flowers in the home.

– Spring cleaning gives you the perfect opportunity to encourage your senior loved one to organize and declutter their space.

Conclusion

The activities above are a good starting point to help you and your senior loved one enjoy the wonders of spring. You can tailor these activities, or create your own to celebrate the season and bring you closer together as a family.

Jurney’s Assisted Living is proud to offer a discerning residential environment for those who, for whatever reason, should not live alone, but do not require skilled nursing care. Here, residents can live as independently as they wish, with the calm assurance that help is always available, should they require assistance with their activities of daily living. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you plan fun spring activities for you and your loved one.