8 spring activities for seniors

Spring is a season of renewal, hope and joy, making it the perfect time to help your mom or dad get physically, mentally and socially engaged.

Here are some indoor and outdoor activities that will help your senior celebrate springtime.

1. Enjoy the outdoors. Warmer temperatures are good for seniors with circulation issues, joint pain and cognitive decline. There are plenty of moderate exercises to help your loved one get active, including walks around the neighborhood, taking a bike ride and participating in outdoor yoga. Or you can simply enjoy the sun and fresh air while you sit on a porch or patio and people watch as you catch up.
2. Help your senior with spring cleaning. It’s the perfect time to dust off the cobwebs and declutter. Help your mom or dad sort through clothing, furniture, trinkets and other items they no longer use to make space in their home. Organizing their space can also help your loved one feel less stressed and emerge from the mental hibernation of winter.
3. Decorate for spring. There are lots of fun crafts you can do with your parent to spruce up their space. Here are some easy decor ideas:

• Make a spring wreath out of silk or flowers.
• Gather or buy fresh flowers and make centerpieces for their dining table or nightstand.
• Paint picture frames and decorate them with flowers, beads and ribbons.
• Hang spring or Easter wall decals and window clings.

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4. Go birding. Birdwatching is a relaxing pastime that doesn’t require much effort or money and can be done almost anywhere. Research bird populations and migration patterns for your area and set up a bird feeder outside your loved one’s window. Schedule birding trips to local parks to get your mom or dad outdoors. You can also buy inexpensive birdhouse kits at your local craft store and decorate them with your parent.
5. Take a day trip. Warmer weather means more outdoor events and activities. You can attend concerts, movies, plays, musical performances and comedy acts. Visit your local history museum, art gallery, zoo, aquarium or botanical garden. Invite other loved ones to make the trip a family affair.
6. Go fishing. It’s a relaxing outdoor pastime that’s a perfect way to get your parent outside. Some senior living communities have a pond stocked with fish, so you don’t have to travel far to cast a line. You can also visit local lakes and rivers if your parent wants a change of scenery.
7. Plant an indoor or outdoor garden. Whether in the ground or pots, flowers and herbs bring freshness to your surroundings. Select colorful blooms to brighten your parent’s garden or keep some on their windowsills in planters. Pressing flowers is another fun spring activity that’s simple to do. Pluck blossoms and place them between two sheets of wax paper with a heavy object on top overnight. Herb gardens are full of scents and flavors and can be used in spring recipes.
8. Plan gatherings with loved ones. Bring your family together to dye and hunt for Easter eggs, plan a spring picnic or have a meal together. Enjoy the time you have with each other, chat, and let the kids and grandkids play outside while you bask in each other’s company.

Embassy Healthcare provides engaging activity schedules with seasonal events, outings and crafts to keep our residents active and happy. Call 216-378-2050 or contact us online to learn about our senior living communities.