Don’t Let the Heat Deprive You of Nature:<br/> How to Bring the Outside In

Summer has just begun and we’re already feeling the heat and humidity this season brings. The hotter, humid weather often makes it difficult for older adults to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether it’s at the beach, hiking the trails, or just enjoying the backyard patio, the heat and sun can be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken by older adults.

According to the Mayo Clinic, people aged 65 and older are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature, leaving them vulnerable to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This means that older adults need to take extra precautions during the hot months of summer and be on the lookout for signs of heat-related illnesses. For many, this means avoiding outdoor activity altogether by remaining inside where there is air conditioning. While staying indoors may not equate to a fun day at the beach, staying inside does not mean the outside needs to stay outdoors. Here are a few fun ways to bring the outside in on those hot, summer days, allowing your aging loved one to engage with nature.

Plant a Windowsill Garden
Older adults who love to garden can still enjoy planting from indoors. Growing herbs is an easy way to garden indoors, bringing the outside in. Help your aging loved one start their own windowsill garden by planting herbs in pint sized pots, either from seed or from starter plant. Then, find a sunny windowsill to place the herbs. Be sure to water regularly. Your loved one can then enjoy adding fresh flavor to their meals, straight from their windowsill garden.

Bring the Beach to Them
Kinetic sand isn’t just for the kids! Purchase or make Kinetic sand—there are many recipes on how to make your own on the internet. Then, place in a container and dig right in. Playing in the sand is therapeutic for older adults, especially those suffering from arthritis. It’s also a great way to improve fine motor skills while bringing out their inner child. Working with the sand can also lead to a true sense of calm, thanks to the sensory stimulation it provides. Combine this activity with a little beach reminiscence and your loved one will feel as if they really are at the beach.

Feed the Birds
Fill a bird feeder and hang it near a window where your loved one spends most of their day. Consider adding a bird bath outdoors as well, allowing the rain to fill it up. Set a pair of binoculars and a bird identifier book nearby so that your loved one can enjoy bird watching from the comfort of indoors.

Go on a Virtual Hike
Encourage your aging loved one to explore the great outdoors from the comfort of their living room. Check your local library for documentaries about the great outdoors. Whether it’s national parks or the beachside, your loved one will feel as if they are outside, while staying cool indoors.

Create a Terrarium
Another fun way to bring the outside in is to create a terrarium filled with items found right outside your aging loved one’s home. Collect an assortment of rocks, pebbles, leaves, flowers, shells, and/or nuts; whatever happens to be in the yard. Then, work with your loved one to create a terrarium. Place it on a table where they can enjoy it. In addition to a terrarium, consider purchasing a variety of indoor house plants and placing them around your loved one’s home. Houseplants are good for your health, help clean and filter the air, and can provide purpose for your aging loved one.

The summer season often means family vacations. As you plan your summer vacation, what are your plans for your aging loved one while you’re away? Let Visiting Angels Fort Worth be a part of your plan. We offer respite services so that you can enjoy your getaway while your loved one receives quality care from a trusted in-home care company. Whether your loved one needs help with errands, assistance with bathing or dressing, or just needs a companion to keep them company, you can depend on us. We would be honored to work with you to ensure that your loved one has a seamless summer while you are away. Give us a call today to set up a free consultation.