5 Ways to Celebrate Summer with Seniors
When school is out and the temperature rises, summer is on for families around the country. Hot sun, cool pools, and lazy evenings around a bonfire may be ideal for many family members, but not for all.
For the seniors in your family unit, summer may bring about fond memories of seasons past and a longing to join in the fun – and our Visiting Angels SW Colorado team is here to help you every step of the way. Sensitivity to heat, medical conditions, and difficulty moving around can put a damper on time spent enjoying the summer for your senior loved ones. However, just because they can’t get around as well as they used to doesn’t mean their easy, entertaining summers are in the past.
At Visiting Angels SW Colorado, we believe planning summer activities suitable for the entire family, from the youngest to the most mature, can give senior loved ones fond memories and bring your family closer together during one of the most anticipated times of the year! Here are five ways to celebrate summer with your senior family members.
Ice Cream Social
Ice cream is the quintessential summer treat. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone in your family who will turn down a creamy cone. To add some more fun, host an ice cream social with your senior loved ones and include various ice cream flavors, cones, and tons of toppings (after all, chocolate is filled with antioxidants!) Kids will love to create a monster ice cream creation, and your senior family members will enjoy the nostalgia of an old-fashioned sundae. For even more fun, invest in an ice cream machine and churn out fresh, homemade ice cream with custom flavors.
Indoor Picnic
Nix the blanket and shade tree for a living room picnic twist on a typical summer lunch. Pack a picnic basket with all your favorites: cold-cut sandwiches, potato chips, cookies, and watermelon, clear space inside, and spread your picnic blanket. Include a stool or folding chair for senior family members who are unable to sit on the floor. Your loved ones will enjoy the coolness of air conditioning more than the noontime summer sun, and it will prevent heat stroke. Let’s face it: an indoor picnic is preferable to fighting away insects anyway!
Splash Pad Fun
Although swimming can be a fantastic source of low-impact exercise for seniors, many prefer to stay on dry land and watch younger families splash in the pool. An alternative is a splash pad or splash park. More communities are adding these features to local parks, but don’t discount a good old-fashioned sprinkler. Water fun with a splash pad entertains young ones and allows your senior family members to cool off without getting into the pool.
Fireworks On Demand
Fireworks are an essential part of summer. You’ll find fireworks shows in almost every community. Although they are awe-inspiring, firework displays come with a very late night, tons of bugs, and massive crowds – your senior family members might agree, it’s not the best place for senior citizens. This year, opt for an on-demand firework show! Record your favorite fireworks show or stream a show from previous years and set up chairs around the screen. For extra authenticity, pick up some smokeless indoor-safe sparklers and turn off the lights while you watch. You’ll feel like you’re there (but without the inconveniences!).
If your senior family members cannot join in the fun, one of our Visiting Angel SW Colorado team members can help your senior set up social media streaming or video chat, so they’ll feel like they are right there with you.
Summer Foods Potluck
Some foods just taste like summer – smores, watermelon, and pasta salad are staples of summer meals. Bring a taste of summer indoors with a family summer potluck. Each person should bring something that reminds them of summer to share with the rest of the family. Encourage your senior family members to choose a food that reminds them of their summer childhood, which allows them to pass down memories to loved ones.
Whether you’re picnicking indoors or enjoying the sprinklers outside, these ideas from our Visiting Angels SW Colorado team will help you have a memorable summer with the seniors in your life.
Visiting Angels SW Colorado Services
Your senior family members deserve to live in joy and age with dignity, and our dedicated, caring team is here to help them achieve their best lives. From companionship care to end-of-life care, Visiting Angels SW Colorado helps your family find peace of mind in your aging family’s care. Call us at 970-264-5991 or visit us online to chat with a specialist.