Healthy Springtime Activities for Seniors

Healthy Springtime Activities for Seniors - AmeriBest Home Care

Start saying your goodbyes to freezing temperatures and icy winds because spring is on its way!
Which means, it’s time to start planning those springtime outings and activities.

As we get older, it can be harder to push ourselves to make time for meetups with others. But it’s extremely important for seniors to connect and socialize. Because, we humans are not meant to be alone. Connecting with others keeps us emotionally healthy, and keeps our brains working on optimal levels.

So, this spring, plan activities that will get you up, moving, and making some new friends.

  • Chess in the park

As cliché as it may sound, playing chess in the park is a great way to get outdoors and meet new people. Not only that, but it’s also a great way to keep your mind sharp.

You don’t need to be an expert in the game, just sit down and have some fun. You can bring your own chessboard to the park, or find a park near you where they’ve already got springtime chess events happening. It’s simple and easy.

Active retired seniors, two old men playing chess at park

 

  • Gardening club

Most people think of gardening as a lone activity. But it doesn’t have to be! If you love gardening and want to share the experience with others, join a gardening club. This will give you the opportunity to talk about something you love with others who love it too. Some gardening clubs have their own gardens that they grow communally. Others might have just a few communal plants or so.

  • Walking club

Exercising is something we all have to do if we want to stay happy and healthy. So, why not do it with others? Joining a walking club can be just the thing you need for some extra motivation and a new friend or two.

Being part of a walking club, makes the tedious work of exercising into something fun and enjoyable. Plus, it gives you an added layer of safety, because if anything happens to you on the walk, someone else will be there to pick you up and get you back on your feet.

  • Water aerobics i.e. Swimming!

Going to a public pool is another great way to turn exercising into a social activity. Indoors or outdoors, swimming is an extremely healthy form of exercise. And, when you do it at a public pool, you have the opportunity to connect with others who are also there for a healthy sport.

Elderly woman in pool

Don’t Forget to Ask for Help

Some of these springtime activities can be difficult to do or arrange all on your own. If that’s the case, ask for a little help! Never be afraid to ask for help- especially, when it comes to your health and happiness.

At AmeriBest, we’re here to help you with all your needs and concerns! Which includes helping you arrange springtime social activities. We’ll get you to where and when you need to be in a safe, convenient, and reliable manner.

Happy spring!

4 Must-Read Winter Caregiving Tips

4 Must-Read Winter Caregiving Tips - AmeriBest Home Care

With strong winds, freezing temperatures, and slippery roads, winter can be a dangerous time for the elderly. In fact, winter tends to have more casualties and accidents for elderly than any other season.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should make your senior stay indoors all day to avoid the weather. Because truth be told, that can be just as unhealthy. Rather, you simply need to take the right precautions to keep your senior safe and sound!

Here are 4 easy tips for winter caregiving!

  • Accompany your senior
    The biggest danger for seniors walking in winter weather, is the chance of slipping and falling. Black ice, slush, and even bad rain, can make it hard for seniors to stay upright. Although falling may not sound like a big deal, it can be quite serious for elderly, because their bodies don’t hold up as well against sudden impact.

For this reason, it’s best to always accompany (or have someone else accompany) your senior when going outside during harsh winter weather. Hold your senior by the arm or elbow, so you can catch them if they start to miss a step- especially when crossing the street.

  • Make sure the heating works
    Double check the heating is optimally functioning in the house and car! If you know some rooms are a little draftier than others, you may want to get some additional space heaters. It’s highly recommended to do a quick maintenance check before the winter weather truly hits. This way, if there is any problem with the heating, you can have it fixed before it’s too late.
  • Winter gear is a must
    This is for both outdoors and indoors. Be sure your senior has a good, warm coat, hat, pair of gloves, and scarf. The last thing you need is for your senior to get sick with a cold, or worse. Also, be sure your senior has a pair of warm, sturdy snow boots. A good pair of boots will better prevent your senior from slipping.

Tip: Though it might sound like a lot to spend on just ‘clothes,’ if you spend the extra money on getting good winter gear, you’ll spend a lot less on medical bills later on.

An elderly grandmother with an adult granddaughter at home.

Now, for indoors, winter gear comes in the form of blankets, socks and nonslip slippers. People often forget about winter gear for the indoors. But it is just as important, if not more important. Because chances are your senior spends more time indoors than outdoors. In which case, it’s crucial that your senior has the necessary clothes and whatnot to keep warm and toasty.

  • A little shoveling goes a long way
    Even if your senior isn’t going outside while it’s snowing, he or she might still want to get the mail or newspaper at the end of the driveway. In which case, walking down snowy steps or an icy driveway will be a big danger. Save yourself the worry, and always shovel around the house during bad weather. And, don’t forget to add some salt as an added layer of safety!