It can be challenging to engage in activities with seniors during hot weather because extreme temperatures can pose health risks. But it is important to find ways to keep your senior loved ones active and entertained, as it contributes to their physical and mental well-being. While seasons may change, the health benefits of exercise stay the same. Also, letting seniors spend time outdoors can greatly benefit their health, and the heat and humidity do not have to stop them.
In this article, we are going to provide you with some of the best indoor and outdoor activities that are best for seniors when it is hot outside. These activities are made to provide enjoyment, social interaction, and cognitive stimulation while considering the safety and comfort of your senior loved ones in hot weather conditions. If you are interested to learn, below are some of the best summer activities to do with seniors when it’s hot out.
Indoor Activities
If the weather outside is too hot for your senior loved ones to go out, it is a good idea to let them stay indoors. But instead of letting them sleep all day, indoor activities may provide them fun and entertainment while staying cool and comfortable at home. If you need ideas, below are some of the best indoor activities that you may do with your senior loved ones when it is hot outside:
Arts and Crafts
You can encourage seniors to unleash their creativity through painting or drawing by providing them art supplies. This indoor activity will allow them to express themselves and create beautiful artwork. There are many art activities that you can do with them. For example, you can gather magazines, scissors, glue, and large poster boards to create a collage. Seniors can cut out images and words that resonate with them and make unique collages.
In addition to that, you may also offer clay or pottery kits to your senior loved ones to allow them to mold and shape their own ceramic creations. Pottery can be a therapeutic activity for seniors, and it can also provide them a sense of accomplishment. They can also display or use their creations at home.
Board Games and Puzzles
When it is hot outside, you can keep seniors entertained indoors by letting them engage in stimulating board games that require strategic thinking and decision-making. Some examples of these games are chess, checkers, or backgammon. They can enjoy these games one-on-one or in groups. In addition to these games, you can also complete jigsaw puzzles with them. Provide them puzzles with varying difficulty levels. Working together with them to complete puzzles is a fun activity that can also enhance their cognitive skills and promote social interaction.
It is also fun to play card games with your senior loved ones. You can play card games like poker, bridge, or rummy with them. Aside from being a fun activity, card games can also help seniors exercise their memory and concentration.
Cooking or Baking
Cooking and baking are some great activities for seniors, too, particularly if they are unable to go out due to the hot weather. You can bond with them indoors by preparing cool treats like ice cream or smoothies. You can involve your senior loved ones in making refreshing snacks, such as nutritious smoothies using seasonal fruits or homemade ice cream.
Aside from refreshing snacks, you may also try new recipes together. This is a great bonding experience that will expand both of your culinary horizons. As you cook or bake with them, you may also encourage your senior loved ones to share some family recipes and the stories behind them. This promotes intergenerational connection and preserves family traditions.
Reading and Book Clubs
You may also organize a book club for your senior loved one and his or her fellow seniors. Let them pick a book and establish a regular book club meeting where they can discuss their thoughts and opinions. Reading is a good indoor activity for seniors as it can stimulate their minds and encourage social interaction.
You can also offer your senior loved one different books in various genres and formats. You can take turns reading aloud or listening to audiobooks, enjoying captivating stories and narratives. You just have to ensure that you create an atmosphere where seniors are able to engage in conversations about their favorite books, authors, and literary experiences. Reading fosters intellectual stimulation and having a book club can lead to interesting discussions.
Outdoor Activities
Even if the weather outdoors is hot, it does not mean seniors do not have a chance to go out. There are still ways for them to enjoy the outdoors while staying safe and comfortable. Below are some of the best outdoor activities that you can do with seniors during hot weather:
Early Morning or Late Evening Walks
During the summer season, you can take a walk with your senior loved ones during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or late evening, when the sun is not yet or no longer intense. When you walk with them outdoors, you can explore nearby parks or nature trails that offer shaded paths to make the walk comfortable for them. It is also great as seniors may appreciate the beauty of nature while engaging in light exercise. Also, while walking outdoors, you can also encourage your senior loved one to interact with neighbors, as this can promote social connections and a sense of community.
Water-Based Activities
During hot weather, you may also take your senior loved one to a local pool or water park that offers facilities for seniors, such as access ramps or shallow areas where they can relax and enjoy some simple water activities. If your loved one is fit enough, you can allow him or her to engage in water aerobics or gentle swimming exercises. These are examples of low-impact activities that are also a refreshing way to stay active while keeping cool.
In case you can’t go to a local pool or water park in your area, you can simply organize water balloon fights or set up sprinkles in the backyard to have some lighthearted fun with your senior loved one while being relieved from the heat.
Outdoor Picnics and Barbecues
It is also a good idea to look for picnic spots with enough shade or bring umbrellas with you for protection from direct sunlight during outdoor gatherings. You can pack nutritious and cooling meals for your senior loved one to enjoy outdoors, such as sandwiches, salads, and fruits. Do not forget to bring plenty of water and other drinks to stay hydrated.
While having outdoor picnics and barbecues, you can encourage your senior loved one to engage in conversations, storytelling, and sharing memories. This activity can foster social bonds and create a happy atmosphere.
Gardening and Nature Appreciation
During the summer season, it is also great to engage seniors in light gardening activities, such as tending to potted plants or cultivating a small garden. These activities can allow them to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
Aside from gardening, your senior loved one can also do some birdwatching. You can set up bird feeders or birdhouses in the backyard to attract birds for them to observe. You can encourage them to identify local flora and fauna, which can deepen their appreciation for nature. Doing this can also help them relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. They can simply sit in a garden and listen to the sounds of the birds and insects while feeling the gentle breeze.
Important Things to Consider
If you are planning to engage in activities with seniors during hot weather, you need to consider certain things to ensure their safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Below are some of the important factors you need to keep in mind:
Ensure the Senior’s Safety in Hot Weather
If you are going to do some activities with your senior loved ones during hot weather, you need to remind them to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. It is also a good idea to let them apply sunscreen with appropriate SPF to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
When going outdoors, encourage your senior loved one to wear lightweight and breathable clothing, and wear wide-brimmed hats to protect them from direct sunlight. Make sure that the outdoor activities are scheduled during cooler times of the day. Also, do not let your senior loved ones engage in strenuous exercises or activities that may lead to overheating.
Adapt Activities to Individual Abilities
When thinking of activities, you also have to consider the mobility limitations of seniors and adapt activities accordingly. If needed, you can also offer assistive devices like walking aids, hearing aids, or glasses to make sure that your senior loved ones can participate well in the activities. It is also important to create an inclusive environment where all seniors would feel encouraged to participate. If needed, you should offer alternative activities or modifications to make sure everyone can join based on their capabilities.
It is important to be aware of any specific health conditions or needs that may require additional considerations when engaging in different activities. Seniors will surely have a positive and enjoyable experience when the activities are flexible and personalized based on their capabilities and preferences.
Conclusion
Even during hot weather, it is still important for seniors to engage in activities that will help improve their physical and mental well-being. By offering them different indoor and outdoor activities, they’ll be able to enjoy meaningful experiences while staying cool and safe. Just make sure that you always consider their safety no matter what type of activity you choose to do with them. We hope this article helped you learn more about the summer activities that you can do with seniors when it is hot outside.