9 Great Ideas For Senior Outdoor Activities

9 Great Ideas For Senior Outdoor Activities

Seniors can lose mobility as they age, causing them to lose track of activities they once used to enjoy. 

By not staying fit or active seniors not only worsen their mobility issues but can also gain weight and develop other health issues. 

Not partaking in outdoor activities can also lead to boredom and feelings of loneliness, which can lead to mental stress, anxiety, and depression. 

Thus, we have compiled a list of 9 outdoor activities for seniors to help them deal with their mobility limitations and mood.

9 Great Ideas For Senior Outdoor Activities

We have rounded up a list of 9 wonderful activities for seniors that have limited mobility. These include physical activities as well as social events that require little physical effort but are effective at keeping seniors active and involved.

1. Non-Physically Exerting Sports

Giving seniors a chance to get some exercise and improve their hand-eye coordination will allow them to gain a sense of control. This can be a great confidence booster for them as they are able to have healthy competition with other individuals who are of the same age.

Some activities that your loved ones can participate in are:

  • Golf
  • Miniature golf
  • Pool
  • Shuffleboard
  • Bocce
  • Tennis
  • Badminton
  • Pickleball
  • Croquet
  • Ball tossing
  • Frisbee tossing
  • Volleyball (including with a beach ball or balloon)
  • Horseshoes
  • Lawn bowling
  • Indoor bowling
  • Wii Bowling
  • Curling 

2. Dancing, Karaoke, and Other Performance Arts

Dancing can be a great activity for seniors because it helps them connect with their bodies. As far as singing goes, it can be a great stress reliever and help your loved ones to find humor and keep them from taking life too seriously. 

Performing a skit or telling a story can also help divert their mind from their mobility issues. This can help them form better social relations and feel more confident when around a large group of people.

Therefore, we would recommend considering the following activities:

  • Writing and acting out skits
  • Participating in comedic improv
  • Starting a seniors' dance troupe 
  • Line, ballroom, salsa, or swing dancing
  • Telling jokes to an audience
  • Reading books to groups of young kids
  • Seniors' or all-ages karaoke
  • Acting in a play

3. Parties and Other Social Gatherings

Do not keep your loved one from attending parties or joining clubs, instead, go with them and try to accommodate their mobility issues. Also, connect with other seniors and their families and organize parties with different themes such as:

  • Casino night
  • Murder mystery
  • Trivia night
  • Mexican fiesta
  • Ugly sweaters night
  • The 1920s, 50s, 60s, etc.
  • Masquerade ball
  • Arabian nights
  • Mardi Gras
  • Pirates
  • Hawaiian luau
  • Jungle bash
  • The Oscars
  • Formal tea
  • Secret Santa

4. Traditional Board Games, Puzzles & Cards

Playing a board game or a card game is a tried and tested method of family bonding. People of all ages can play and have a great time. These games are considered indoor activities and as such don’t require any physical excretion.

Solving puzzles can also help sharpen the mind and give a sense of progress and accomplishment.

Here are some games seniors may enjoy:

  • Uno
  • Scrabble
  • Pictionary
  • Yahtzee
  • Bingo
  • Checkers
  • Chinese checkers
  • Dominoes
  • Monopoly
  • Chess
  • Backgammon
  • Cribbage
  • Go Fish
  • Poker
  • Bridge
  • Mahjong
  • Canasta
  • Rummy
  • Solitaire
  • Crazy Eights
  • Crossword puzzles
  • Jigsaw puzzles
  • Word search puzzles 

5. Animal Interactions

Animal interactions can be an excellent way for seniors to stay active while having fun. Taking them to the zoo, for example, can be a great way for them to get some fresh air while also connecting with nature. 

Even if you or your loved one isn’t a pet owner, most animal shelters allow seniors to meet and interact with cats, dogs, and other non-dangerous animals.

6. Gardening, Bird-Watching, & Other Outdoor Pastimes

These outdoor activities can provide seniors with a soothing and relaxing environment away from their daily routine.

However, it is important to be mindfulwhile they are out in the garden or park because they can be at an increased risk of falling due to limited mobility.

If you cannot be there  or they insist on going alone, make sure they have a personal alert button on them at all times, such as the one offered by Northwood Intouch. 

This handy portable automatic fall detection device can be taken anywhere and will work anywhere in Canada, wherever there is cell service.

The device comes with a built-in SIM card and comes ready to use. Your loved one can keep it in their pocket or wear it with the neck cord or the belt clip.

Other outdoor pastimes include:

  • Gardening
  • Bird-watching
  • Walking
  • Hiking
  • Picnics
  • Boat rides
  • Metal detecting
  • Kite flying
  • Nature photography

7. Arts & Crafts

Arts and crafts are a great way for your loved ones to express their feelings and emotions and most importantly their creativity. 

There is nothing more peaceful and calming than enjoying a bit of painting by water  or anywhere outdoors that has great scenery. 

A few fantastic arts and crafts ideas include:

  • Painting
  • Sketching/drawing
  • Ceramics
  • Mosaics
  • Woodcraft
  • Polymer clay modeling
  • Papercraft
  • Beading
  • Knitting
  • Crocheting
  • Embroidery
  • Quiltmaking
  • Card Making
  • Jewelry making

8. Outings & Excursions

There are many amazing options when it comes to going out for an excursion. Field trips, outings, and even long drives aren’t just fun for kids but also for seniors. 

Consider excursions to places or events such as:

  • Theme parks
  • Carnivals
  • County fairs
  • Comedy clubs
  • Hands-on science museums
  • Concerts
  • Sporting events
  • Theatrical performances
  • Art shows

9. Active Learning

It is never too late to learn! Exploring new avenues and trying to experience new things can be a great way to keep seniors engaged. Initially, they might have to try out multiple things but sooner or later they are bound to find something that piques their curiosity and interest.

Some things they can try out are:

  • Sing or play a musical instrument
  • Speak a foreign language
  • Use computers more effectively
  • Write code
  • Design websites
  • Take professional-quality photos
  • Write great stories
  • Cook exotic meals
  • Decipher hieroglyphs
  • Perform magic tricks

Final Thoughts

Losing mobility due to conditions such as stroke, severe arthritis, or injuries from falls is unfortunately common in older adults. In such cases, these individuals will find it difficult to perform their daily activities let alone take part in activities and hobbies they once used to enjoy.

However, losing the ability to move around freely, does not mean that seniors can no longer enjoy their life or stay active. We have identified many fun ways to help boost their mood and get them engaged both indoors and outdoors.

For more information on how to keep your seniors safe, healthy, and active, visit Northwood Intouch



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