Home Care Companies Experts Share 5 Fun Outdoor Activities That Are Perfect for Senior Citizens

Outdoor activities are fun and healthy for any person, but for those who are elderly, outdoor activities are an important part of having a long life. Research has said that more time spent outside is good for health, and according to the National Institutes of Health, older adults are the least active segment of our population, and are likely to spend less time outdoors than other age groups. But for older folks, what are activities that can be done outdoors that aren’t too physically demanding? Here are some great outdoor activities for older adults, according to Visiting Angels home care companies.

Relax in the sun

That’s right - relaxing can be good for you, especially when you’re doing it in the sun! Vitamin D is essential for bone health, and seniors that don’t get enough of it are at a higher risk for bone fractures. Just be sure to put on sunscreen, home care companies say, because too much sun can lead to skin cancer, especially in seniors.

Hanging out in a lake

You don’t have to swim laps to have healthy, outdoor activity in the water. Wading around in a lake is a lot less stressful on your joints than other forms of exercising, and is less likely to make you extremely dehydrated in the process.

Volunteering

One of the most rewarding things you can do in life is to volunteer and help others, and doing it outside makes it even better. Local Rotary Clubs and other non-profits are always on the lookout for new volunteers, so if you’re looking for an outdoor activity where you won’t break a sweat, consider signing up.

Golfing

One of the best parts of golfing for seniors is that they get to flex their intellectual muscles, not just their bodily ones. The amount of concentration and strategy that is involved in golf lets seniors use their brains when they play and keeps them sharp, according to home care companies.

Metal Detecting

One of the most unique and fun activities you can do outside when you’re a senior is buying a metal detector and hitting the beach. Millions of people head to the beach every year, and seniors with metal detectors hit the beach after the tourists leave to find the treasures they left behind. Besides being relaxing and a great way to kill some time, you have a chance at getting rich if you pick up this hobby... chances are low, but part of the fun is in the dream!