Skip to main content

Main menu

  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
Home
  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
  • With Community Helpers the Play Lady Receives the Fred Rodgers Helpers Award
  • Keeping the Fun in Fundraising
  • See Accessibility Through the Eyes of a Child
  • Outdoor Play for Children with Intellectual Disabilities on Playgrounds
  • Active Life: Easy Outdoor Activities for Seniors

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Play
  3. Health
  4. Active Life: Easy Outdoor Activities for Seniors

Active Life: Easy Outdoor Activities for Seniors

Health
June 03, 2021
Profile picture for user Jennifer Walker
By Jennifer Walker on
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print
98
Active Life: Easy Outdoor Activities for Seniors

Active Life: Easy Outdoor Activities for Seniors

Most seniors seek outdoor fun...

...however, they may have limitations like injuries, mobility issues, and illness, which may hinder them from enjoying this. Seniors may also be more susceptible to the effects of heat than youngsters. 

A sense of loneliness may easily creep in for the seniors who leave home. The trick as a caregiver is to find activities that align with their interests, fitness level, and limited exposure to the sun. This equally applies not only to the senior living community but also to the tiny tots. 

Advantages of Outdoor Activities for Seniors

Seniors get multiple benefits from participating in outdoor activities. These include:

  • Good overall health and mood
  • Improved sleep
  • Enhanced strength
  • Improved relationships
  • Keep the vitamin D levels high
  • Strengthen the immune system
  • Increased physical mobility and flexibility
  • Sense of pride accomplishment
  • Reduced stress 
  • Access to nutritious fruits and herbs

Unique Outdoor Activities For Seniors

Various activities can entice seniors to get outdoors and enjoy the weather. Some of them include:

  1. Picnics

A picnic is one classic outdoor activity, and it provides an excellent excuse to go outside and enjoy nature. With a simple snack or a whole made meal healthy meal, picnics offer the best way to enjoy some Vitamin D. They also allow plenty of time to socialize, enjoy the fresh air together, and give room for mild walk exercises around the park.

  1. Fishing

Fishing offers the perfect avenue to pass the time, and it doesn't consume a lot of energy. Fishing is a great way to go out there and enjoy the breeze and perhaps catch something to make dinner.

  1. Gardening

This light aerobic activity is one of the most popular outdoor activities for seniors. It's also an excellent way for seniors to maintain their strength, flexibility and remain active, and you can include it in a daily routine. With some assistance, seniors with limited mobility can also participate in this.

  1. Photography

In this digital era, easy-to-use digital cameras are easy to come by, and they don't cost much. You can get the seniors to enjoy taking photographs of the sunrise, sunset, beaches, parks, flowers, etc. You can, later on, arrange the pictures in albums to create memories and spark conversations.

  1. Outdoor Crafting

You can include some art in your outdoor activities. Crafting includes lively activities such as painting a picture of the scenery or building a birdhouse. They also enhance creativity and opportunities to make some pretty art of your own.

  1. Fruit picking

If you live in an agriculturally active area, seniors can significantly benefit from small berry farms as they enjoy the fruits. It is an effective way for seniors to participate in some mild exercise while enjoying the fresh air. 

  1. Walks

Walks are an effective way to stay active. Walking around the park or neighborhood helps maintain cardio in a senior's lifestyle. It is also a great way to capture incredible environmental scenery and to enjoy some fresh air. 

  1. Swimming

Swimming can be beneficial for seniors with joint problems. Water can support the body's weight, reducing the pressure exerted on the knees and ankles. Water yoga classes also help to boost their health even more. Just make sure that the senior is supervised underwater. 

  1. Bird Watching

This activity is particularly for seniors who love connecting to nature. Bird watching may not sound exciting. However, it is beneficial in calming the mind and gives room for reflection. 

  1. Play games

Various games cater to every age and fitness level. Some of them include golfing, croquet, shuffleboard, ring tosses, horseshoes, amongst others. All these games help seniors socialize and get outdoors. 

Seniors have many ways to enjoy the outdoors, either with their loved ones, friends, or caregivers. Taking part in these activities brings togetherness, creates memories and something to look forward to. The memories created will make a difference in the lives of the seniors and for friends and families of all ages. So, why not start today?

Add new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
About text formats

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
Profile picture for user Jennifer Walker
Jennifer Walker
Published 2 years ago
Last updated 9 months ago
98
2
min read
A- A+
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

More About Health

Photo by Tanaphong Toochinda via Unsplash
Sep 03, 2019
Health

New Ways to Battle Child Obesity in America

Jackie Edwards
Why Children with ADHD Need to Play More
Jun 02, 2020
Health

Why Children with ADHD Need to Play More

Jennifer Chonillo
Playing with Emotions – Head and Heart
Jan 06, 2014
Health

Playing with Emotions - Head and Heart

Jay-Beckwith
21 Fun Family Activities During Self-Isolation
May 11, 2020
Health

21 Fun Family Activities During Self-Isolation

Patrick Adams
Young girl asleep
Oct 30, 2018
Health

Sleep is Critical for your Little Ones

PGP
The Big Challenge of Obesity
Sep 01, 2006
Health

The Big Challenge of Obesity

Playground Magazine
Safety Is Improving, But We Must Continue To Do More
Oct 01, 2003
Health

Safety Is Improving, But We Must Continue To Do More

Playground Magazine
July Marks Parks and Recreation Month and UV Awareness Month
Jun 28, 2016
Health

July Marks Parks and Recreation Month and UV Awareness Month

PGP
Child protected from the sun
Mar 05, 2019
Health

Sunlight and your Skin in the Schoolyard

Peter Prakke
Imagine an infant lying on their back on the floor.
Dec 21, 2016
Health

I Don't Want to See My Child Fail!

Jay-Beckwith
How Can Dehydration Affect Child Development?
May 04, 2021
Health

How Can Dehydration Affect Child Development?

Cherry Wade
Baby sleeping
Aug 06, 2019
Health

5 Benefits of Outdoor Napping for Babies

Julie Lambert

Health Professionals

Walk with a Doc
Walk with a Doc
Organization
More
Let's Play America
Let's Play America
Organization
More
Home

Follow Us

Play and playground news and information since 2001

  • instagram
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • pinterest
  • linkedin

Company

  • Playground Magazine
  • Contributors
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2001 - 2023 Playground Professionals, LLC

Footer menu

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms and conditions