While summers are often called lazy, the season has a vibrancy that encourages people to do something fun with their days. Fortunately, summer activities for seniors are abundant. From outdoor options like gardening and birding, which are wonderful when the weather accommodates, to indoor options like board games and museums — perfect for those sweltering summer days — we’ve got you covered. Scroll down to explore some of our favorite summer activities for seniors.
Wondering What to Do This Summer?
Gardening
How does your garden grow? As the Mayo Clinic Health System points out, gardening offers multiple health benefits. Gardeners get exercise and a chance to spend time outside. They enjoy lower stress levels and better social connections thanks to a thriving gardening community. Gardeners who grow produce also tend to eat healthier foods, including a greater variety of fruits and veggies.
Playing Games
Are you a fan of card games? Do you love hunting down the missing piece of the puzzle? Are you convinced that board games are the best way to while away the hours? Will video games be at the top of your list? If great games are your thing, making time to play is an awesome way to spend a summer afternoon. In fact, many organizations hold events to give game players a place to gather together.
At Waterstone on Augusta, we’ve got games galore! In July 2024 alone, we’re hosting a variety of fun game-related activities like jigsaw puzzles, bowling, balloon volleyball, and BINGO. Be sure to check out our full July 2024 activities calendar.
Touring Museums
When it is hot outside, museums offer a cool place to spend a few hours exploring an interesting topic. Many museums have a mix of regular and rotating exhibits, so even places that you’ve visited before will often have new things to see. Some museums also offer lectures or classes, which make excellent summer activities for seniors.
Experimenting With Photography
Pictures can say a lot without using a single word. Today’s digital cameras make experimentation affordable because you can take all the pictures you want without having to worry about the cost of purchasing or developing film. Some seniors may enjoy actually getting out and taking pictures. Others may be more fascinated by what can be accomplished with editing software. There truly is a lot of room for exploring, experimentation, and expression.
Birding
Some birders rise at the crack of dawn, travel deep into the woods, keep detailed logs of sightings, and can identify even the most unexpected feathered creature. Others are content to watch the songbirds at the local park from the comfort of the picnic table. Many fall somewhere in the middle. Whatever approach you choose, birding can be an excellent way to appreciate nature.
Drawing or Painting
Virtually all children draw. Many stop when their work is criticized. Silencing the critical voices that have been internalized to embrace the joy creativity can bring can be a fantastic way to escape stress and connect with the world around you. Drawing, painting, or coloring can be individual pursuits. Or, you can take classes. If you’re a resident at Waterstone on Augusta, be sure to stop by for one of our scheduled summertime craft sessions on July 22 and July 31, 2024.
Swimming
Swimming is a natural summer pastime, so finding it on the list of summer activities for seniors should be no surprise. Making a splash in the pool is an excellent way to cool off when it’s hot outside. Swimming also provides a great way to exercise without straining the joints.
Volunteering
Do you want to share your skills and help give back to your community? Would you like to be around other people without the demands of a job? Volunteer. As a volunteer, you decide what types of organizations you’d like to help, what hours you’re available, and what tasks you’re willing to do. It may take a while to find a place that’s the right fit. But when you find a good match, you’ll be rewarded with the knowledge that you’re contributing to your community.
Shopping
While everyday errands may be humdrum, certain kinds of shopping can be an adventure. Visiting farmer’s markets can be exciting. These markets are full of local produce and other products. The contents often change every few weeks, so there are new things to see. Likewise, antiquing can be interesting because you never know what treasures the next store will bring. Some people enjoy visiting yard sales for the same reason.
Playing Tourist at Community Events
It’s easy to take your hometown for granted. However, the town where you reside often has plenty of hidden gems that you’ve missed while you were busy with other things. To make up for this oversight, spend a summer playing tourist. You could visit local sites of interest. Or, keep an eye out for interesting things on the community calendar. Why not explore Greenville’s upcoming events?
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With so many fantastic choices of summer activities that are suitable for seniors, it’s easy to find something appealing. Fortunately, you’re not limited to just one. Try as many different activities as you like!
Are you looking for a premier assisted living and memory care community in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina? Visit us at Waterstone on Augusta. We strive to enhance the quality of life of the seniors we serve through teamwork and unity and work to provide a relaxing and supportive atmosphere for our residents. To learn more about our amenities and to view our lovely community, please schedule a tour online or call us today at 864-605-7236.