As people age, it can be beneficial to find ways to stay active and engaged. Independent living in senior living communities can help ensure residents get daily living support and assistance with finding activities they enjoy.
While residents of senior living communities can often enjoy indoor amenities and services, participating in outdoor activities can help improve seniors’ mental and physical health while they create connections with nature and their community.
10 Outdoor Activities for Seniors
Many outdoor activities are low-impact and generally suitable for seniors of all abilities. Here are 10 outdoor activities for seniors to try:
- Walking
Walking is a simple and low-impact exercise that seniors can manage. People aged 65 and older can benefit from moderate to intense activity, such as brisk walking.
Walking for 30 minutes daily can promote cardiovascular health, boost blood flow, strengthen bones, improve balance, sleep, and mental health, and lower your risk of dementia.
Very little is required for walking, just a good pair of shoes and some good company. Seniors can walk alone or with friends, in a park, senior community, or around the neighborhood.
- Gardening
Gardening outdoors has many social and physical benefits. Being in nature can improve mental health, decrease stress, prevent osteoporosis, and lower your risk of some diseases.
Gardening can also provide a form of exercise and a sense of accomplishment. Seniors can tend to their own gardens or participate in community gardens.
- Swimming & Water Aerobics
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. It improves cardiovascular health and muscle strength while keeping stress on the body to a minimum.
Seniors can swim in a community pool or walk in the pool in shallow water. Water aerobics can take the pressure off joints, help build muscle tone, and improve bone health for seniors as they age.
- Fishing
Fishing is a relaxing outdoor activity for seniors. It provides an opportunity to be in nature and experience peacefulness. Seniors can fish in a local lake or river or join a fishing club.
- Biking
Biking is an excellent way for seniors to go outdoors and get some exercise. Biking can help build strength, maintain balance, and improve cardiovascular health. Seniors can ride a traditional bicycle on a path or use a stationary or recumbent bike that sits low to the ground if balance is a concern.
- Golf
Golf is a sport older adults can still play as long as they stretch and use proper positioning to avoid injury. Golf offers seniors an opportunity to be outdoors, socialize, and benefit from physical exercise—especially from all the walking involved. Seniors can play golf at their local courses, join a golf club, or participate in golf tournaments.
- Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an exercise done indoors or outdoors that uses slow, gentle, and intentional movements. Tai Chi has many benefits, such as reduced stress, improved balance and flexibility, and increased upper and lower body strength.
- Yoga
Yoga involves movements with simple stretches and can be practiced indoors or outdoors. Yoga’s benefits include potential boosts to flexibility, cardiovascular health, sleep, mental health, and bone health. Seniors can participate in yoga classes in their local park, community center, or senior living community.
- Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get some exercise while being in nature. You don’t need to hike long distances or up mountains. Local parks and nature trails through a forested community can provide similar benefits and get the body moving.
When hiking, remember to wear layers and comfortable shoes, carry water, and avoid pushing yourself beyond comfort levels, especially when first starting. Walking sticks or hiking poles can help with balance and prevent falls.
- Outings
There are several types of outings seniors can attend depending on their interests and physical abilities:
- Visit museums to learn new things and appreciate art, history, and culture. Many museums offer senior discounts and accessible features, such as audio guides, wheelchair access, and elevators.
- Zoos and aquariums are great for seniors to see and learn about different animals and marine life.
- Parks, nature reserves, and botanical gardens offer a peaceful environment for seniors to walk, picnic, birdwatch, or relax.
- Many towns and cities hold annual festivals and fairs that feature music, food, crafts, and entertainment.
- Many venues have live performances or theater shows.
- Seniors can take day trips to nearby towns or attractions, such as historic sites, wineries, or shopping districts.
- Seniors can volunteer for local organizations and charities.
Meaningful Life in Senior Living Communities
Outdoor activities for seniors have many health benefits and help encourage physical activity and social interaction. Even indoor activities like board games can keep life interesting. Saranac Village at Will Rogers offers various experiences, events, and outings based on residents’ abilities and interests to make daily life fun and exciting.
Contact us to get information about senior living and schedule a tour of our community.
