With the arrival of warmer summer weather, many seniors are more open to getting outside and enjoying some fresh air and sunlight. This is the perfect time to spend a day in the local park. Going to the park presents your senior loved one with various opportunities for having some fun and boosting his or her overall health. Oakville 24-hour care experts suggest a few ways your loved one can make the most of his or her time in the park.
Make Outdoor Crafts
The fun your loved one has when creating something is important, but making outdoor crafts like wind chimes, planters, and bird feeders can also increase his or her dexterity and keep his or her mind sharp and stimulated. When family members or other seniors join your loved one for a day of craft making at the park, this activity can provide a sense of belonging and reduce his or her risk of depression.
Get Physical
If your loved one enjoys physical activity, he or she can play soccer, ride a bike, or just go for a simple walk in the park. These activities are easy, fun, and can provide your loved one with many health benefits. Physical activity can increase your loved one’s stability and strength, reducing the chances of falling and becoming injured. Your loved one may also get a boost in cognitive abilities when participating in these activities because they increase oxygen and blood flow in the brain, which decreases the risk of memory loss and the onset of dementia.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Searching for objects throughout the park can keep your loved one’s mind active. Scavenger hunts are mentally stimulating, and they also prevent boredom. Instead of putting together a large-scale scavenger hunt spanning the entirety of the park, start small to prevent your loved one from becoming exhausted and irritated. You do not necessarily have to take items with you to hide because there may be things in the park you can use.
Perform Yoga
Yoga can be a fun and relaxing way for your loved one to alleviate pain and bond with other seniors. The physical poses and breathing techniques help relieve the symptoms associated with poor sleep, arthritis, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions seniors commonly experience. Practicing yoga in the park can also help your loved one enhance his or her range of motion and flexibility.
If your loved one needs help getting out of the house to enjoy outdoor activities, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our caregivers can provide transportation and companionship, assist with exercise, and help with many other tasks. For more information on elderly care Oakville seniors and their families can count on, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (905) 337-1200 today.