Outdoor Activities for Seniors and Caregivers
Spring is in the air, and whether you're eight years old or eighty, it's the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. If you are a family caregiver for an older loved one, there are plenty of outdoor activities for seniors that you and your loved one will be able to enjoy together.
"Outdoor activities for seniors have a range of benefits," says Larry Meigs, President and CEO of Visiting Angels. "By getting seniors out of the home, you encourage light exercise, which is an important part of healthy living in the elderly. It also gives seniors the chance to soak up fresh air and sunshine, which can improve physical and emotional health."
Here are Visiting Angels' top activities for seniors and caregivers to enjoy this spring...
Picnics
There's no more quintessential outdoor activity than a picnic. Whether you're enjoying a meal for two in the backyard or meeting with friends for a feast in the park, a picnic is the perfect way to get an elderly loved one outside into the fresh air. What's more, it offers the chance to pack healthy snacks like fruits and omega 3-rich foods.
Fruit Picking
If you live in an area with lots of local agriculture, you might be able to take advantage of pick-your-own fruit farms. Picking your own fruit - whether those fruits are apples, strawberries, raspberries, or another variety - offers the benefits of exercise, the outdoor, and stocking up on healthy foods.
Gardening
One of the most popular outdoor activities for older adults is gardening for seniors. It's also one of the best ways for seniors to stay active. While some people don't really think of gardening as exercise, it is an excellent way for seniors to maintain strength and make light aerobic activity a part of daily life.
Walks
Whether you're taking a five-minute stroll or a daylong hike, going out for a walk can be a great way to take in the world, get some fresh air, and
step away from stress and distractions. It's also one of the most recommended forms of light exercise by health professionals.
Outdoor Theater & Music
Even if you live in a small town, there's a good chance that local organizations put on outdoor plays and events that you and your loved one will be able to enjoy. Whether you're going out to see outdoor community theater or taking in an open air music festival, this can be a great way to soak up culture and sunshine all at once. One popular (and often free) option: Shakespeare in the park .
Birdwatching
While birdwatching isn't for everyone, many seniors find it to be a singularly rewarding activity. Birdwatching is one of the best outdoor activities for seniors who want to connect with nature. Many birdwatchers find that it's a soothing, therapeutic experience
Looking to get an elderly loved one outdoors this spring? Caregivers from your local Visiting Angels will be happy to accompany your loved one on a number of outdoor activities for seniors. Contact us today to get started with care.
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Home Safety and Alzheimer's
People with Alzheimer's can live in their homes, as long as safety measures are in place. As
Alzheimer's progresses, a person's abilities change. But with some creativity and problem solving, you can adapt the home environment to support these changes.
With creativity and flexibility, you can create a home that is both safe and supportive of the person's needs for social interaction and meaningful activity.
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National Nutrition Month® 2018
National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
"Go Further with Food" is the theme for 2018, and its importance is timely for many reasons. Whether it's starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before an athletic event, the foods you choose can make a real difference. Preparing your foods to go further, by planning meals and snacks in advance can also help to reduce food loss and waste. This year's theme for National Nutrition Month® encourages us to achieve the numerous benefits healthy eating habits offer, but it also urges us to find ways to cut back on food waste. Learning how to manage food resources at home will help you "Go Further with Food", while saving both nutrients and money.
Key Messages:
- Include a variety of healthful foods from all of the food groups on a regular basis.
- Consider the foods you have on hand before buying more at the store.
- Buy only the amount that can be eaten or frozen within a few days and plan ways to use leftovers later in the week.
- Be mindful of portion sizes. Eat and drink the amount that's right for you, as MyPlate encourages us to do.
- Continue to use good food safety practices.
- Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week.
- Realize the benefits of healthy eating by consulting with a registered dietitian nutritionist. RDNs can provide sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice to meet your lifestyle, preferences and health-related needs.
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5 Top Foods for Eye Health
Do your eyes have all the nutrients they need to help prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma and other sight woes? Can kale, collard greens, yellow squash, sweet potatoes, strawberries, bell peppers, salmon or green tea really make a difference?
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