Summertime is in full swing. Now that we’ve entered the warmest months of the year, it’s time to cool down, hydrate and enjoy the shade. Although it may be too hot for certain outdoor activities, aging adults can still remain busy and entertained during summertime. Many summer activities for seniors will be fun for the whole family, too. Here are 4 of our favorites:
1. Visit a Public Pool and Do Aqua Aerobics
Nothing beats a nice swim during the summer heat! If the seniors in your life don’t have access to a pool where they live, why not bust out the sunscreen and visit a public pool? Better yet, look into aqua aerobics.
Many community pools, gyms and YMCAs offer aqua aerobics classes especially designed for aging adults. Working out in water is great for joint pain and arthritis, so aqua aerobics can be the perfect exercise for seniors. Plus, it’s super fun!
2. Explore a Museum
Museums are one of our favorite summer activities for seniors. They’re a great way to learn about culture while getting out in your community. Whether you love art, ancient history, dinosaurs or science, there’s a museum for you.
In the summer, museums are also an excellent way to beat the heat because they’re air conditioned, they’re out of the sun and they have lots of benches and seating areas. Many museums also offer perks for seniors such as discounted tickets, special tours, lectures and art classes.
3. Get Artsy
Speaking of art classes, why not indulge your creative side this summer? Studies have shown that creating art can be very therapeutic and reduce stress. Arts and crafts offer a limitless supply of summer activities for seniors. You can paint, draw, decorate ceramic mugs, color in a coloring book, or start a scrapbook of photos and memorabilia.
4. Do a Summer Reading Challenge
This is another one of our favorite summer activities for seniors. Help your aging loved one make a list of 10 or more books, and challenge them to finish the list by the end of summer! The list could include anything from best sellers to classics. It could also include books they have read before.
To make this activity even more fun, do it as a family or recruit friends for a book club. Then, you can all get together to share your thoughts after you’ve finished each book. (Pro tip: don’t forget about your local library!)
The Best Summer Activities for Seniors
Ultimately, the best summer activities for seniors are any activities where your loved ones enjoy themselves. Spend time together, make new memories and explore your community. Just remember to avoid excess sun and drink plenty of water!