Five Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors Without Leaving Your Yard

Summer is a much-anticipated season. Longer days and warmer weather offer more opportunities to spend time in nature. There are many benefits to spending time outdoors, especially for seniors. For starters, seniors who spend time outdoors decrease their risk for depression and anxiety. They also benefit from increased levels of Vitamin D, which tend to trend low among the senior population. Spending time in nature can even improve memory and lengthen lifespan.

As beneficial as the great outdoors are to seniors, it’s unfortunate that many seniors aren’t spending enough time outside. Physical limitations and an increased risk for heat illness often prevent seniors from venturing outside their home. In addition, the coronavirus crisis is causing more seniors to stay home as they continue to be the highest-risk population. Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy nature and reap the benefits from spending time outdoors, and you don’t even have to leave your own outdoor space. Here are our five top ways to enjoy the great outdoors this summer, without leaving your yard.

Create a Sun-Safe Place
In order to encourage yourself to spend more time outdoors, you need to start by creating a sun-safe place. Does your backyard or balcony get a lot of sun which prevents you from heading outdoors? Purchase an outdoor umbrella. Look for an umbrella that has a crank instead of one that requires you to push up and pin in place. Ask family to help move patio furniture so that it’s in a shady area. If you have a covered porch, consider installing a ceiling fan to help you keep cool on the hotter days. Leave sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, a sunhat, and a light-weight long sleeve sun-shirt near the door so you can grab them before heading outdoors.

Dine Alfresco
A fun way to spend more time outdoors and change your scenery is to eat breakfast or dinner outside. The heat index is usually lower earlier in the day, so aim for breakfast. If you prefer to sleep in, then try eating dinner outdoors, waiting for the high of the day to pass. Practice mindfulness by absorbing the sights and sounds around you. Pay attention to each bite you taste, taking time to enjoy the flavors and aromas. Watch the birds and other wildlife as you enjoy your cup of coffee.

Join a Virtual Bird Watching Club
Stay connected socially while giving yourself a reason to spend more time outdoors by joining a virtual bird watching club. Check with your local nature center, library, or senior center for virtual groups and information about how you can join. If you can’t find a group there, join bird watching social media group near you. Then, dig out a bird book, dust off your binoculars, and try to participate at least once a week in the group. You might be inspired to build a new birdhouse or learn how to attract rare, native birds to your own backyard.

Plant a Potted Herb Garden
Give yourself another reason to head outdoors by planting a potted herb garden. By planting in smaller terra cotta pots, you’ll save your back a lot of aches and pains from constantly bending over to work the soil. Plant a few of your favorite herbs and nurture them throughout the summer season. Add fresh flavor to your favorite meals or simply enjoy the aromas as you spend time outside.

Host an Outdoor Family Visit
Finally, a great way to increase your time outdoors is to invite your family to visit in your own backyard. If you have family nearby, ask them to visit when the weather is nice. Consider purchasing an inflatable pool for the grandkids to stay cool or turn on the sprinkler for them to run through. Ask families to bring their own picnic dinner or serve single-serving snacks and drinks. Arrange chairs in such a way so that families can practice safe social distancing.

As summer approaches, some families are considering a summer vacation. Do you have the support you need when your family is away? Visiting Angels Richmond is here to help seniors stay safe all summer long. We offer a variety of senior home care services, including respite care services. Respite care allows seniors to receive the care and support while their family is away, while giving peace of mind to their family so that they can enjoy a relaxing vacation. We can then transition to weekly visits should you all find this is the perfect solution for your senior care needs. Getting started is easy. Contact us by calling 804-396-6554.