Springtime in MN: Helping Seniors Mitigate Risk of Spring Activities

Can you believe it, we've made it through another crazy Minnesota winter. The icy sidewalks are finally thawing. The extra frigid temperatures are (hopefully) in the rear-view mirror. Many snow birds have returned and the sun is shining. But with the return of spring, getting outside is still challenging for your father-in-law with balance issues, for your grandmother with dementia who wanders, or for your mom who’s recovering from an extended illness this winter. Newly formed potholes pose a risk of falls, and after a season of limited driving, getting back behind the wheel can be risky as well for some.

This spring, don’t let the risks outweigh the rewards of the new season’s activities. Here are a few tips for simple, enjoyable ways to take advantage of the warmer weather.

1. Overcome the Fear

When an older adult is faced with constant losses — loss of hearing, loss of a driver’s license, or loss of a spouse, partner, or friend — isolation is often the result. One senior turns down a lunch date with friends because she’s afraid she won’t hear their conversation in the noisy restaurant. Another stays home because he doesn't know how to arrange transportation, or hates asking for a ride. After a bad fall last spring, a neighbor is afraid to walk the rocky path to her country mailbox. Falling has social ramifications, but so does isolation.

These are just a few of the reasons an older loved one may opt to stay indoors long after spring arrives. Be sensitive to their anxieties and concerns. Talk to them and try to get to the root of their fears about leaving home. There may be a simple solution, like a home modification, or a home care companion who can provide occasional transportation. You may also want to consider your own fears about your loved one navigating the outdoors alone and think about how home care companion can help.

2. Don’t Garden Alone

Every year, one in every four adults over the age of 65 falls, says the National Council on Aging. And while broken bones, surgery and impaired mobility are not desirable outcomes, a sedentary lifestyle indoors isn’t the answer. In fact, the “use it or lose it” rule applies: Staying physically active and engaged is better for maintaining and improving strength and balance than pure avoidance and consistent physical activity helps ward off feelings of depression from isolation.

But don't let the fear of falling keep seniors from enjoying their favorite activities. If your mother loves gardening, or your father enjoys tinkering in the garage, don't make these areas off limits. Think about what adjustments can be made to their environment, can you bring a small garden up to their patio, for example, so it is more accessible to them. Maybe it is time to install a ramp in the garage so steps aren't a challenge when getting to a work bench. Gardening, in particular, is an activity that has benefits beyond the smell of fresh flowers or herbs. The act of cultivating a crop of vegetables or pot of flowers gives seniors a sense of accomplishment, helps them get much needed vitamin D, and has numerous health benefits. Find ways to make these activities accessible, and encourage your loved one to garden this spring.

3. Watch Your Step

‘Tis the season for spring cleaning, and if your parent or older relative’s home is full of cluttered corners and stockpiled spaces, get to work. Evaluate the safety of outdoor areas too, and ensure clear pathways and level ground, as uneven walkways are a fall risk for those with vision or gait challenges.

Non-skid mats are a great solution on a smooth porch or patio, where they may spend more time now that it's warming up outside. Other home modifications, like installing a ramp as mentioned previously, may be a worthwhile investment for a parent who loves the outdoors but struggles with stairs or is using a walker. From the simple to the more involved, consider accommodations that will allow your loved one to get outside in a safe manner. A home care agency like Visiting Angels can provide an in-home caregiver who work with you on making the house (indoors and outdoors) easier to navigate and be a steady arm for a walk around the neighborhood to get the garden planted.

4. Stay Hydrated

It’s already spring, so summer’s heat and humidity are right around the corner. Summer poses significant dehydration risks for older adults, but any time spent in the sun and warmth should be balanced by proper hydration. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends all older adults drink a glass of water before going outside.

If you or your loved one don’t feel thirsty very often, set reminders on your phone or use a timer. Make sure you drink a specific amount of water each time your reminder goes off so you can keep track of your intake. By drinking water consistently throughout your day you can easily prevent getting dehydrated.

5. Expand the Team

If your primary concern about your senior loved one engaging in spring activities is connected to living alone, start by consulting with a home care provider to discuss the options and brainstorm ways a professional caregiver can be there when you cannot. Sometimes it takes a "caregiving village" to provide adequate support for your senior loved one.

6. Easy Outdoor Activity Ideas for Seniors

Once you’ve addressed these areas, go ahead and get outside! Consider these creative ways for keeping Mom or Dad active this spring, remembering to make adjustments as needed:

Gardening
This well-loved pastime isn’t limited to digging in the dirt or turning over soil. If your Mom loved gardening but can’t get on her hands and knees, take her to a nursery to choose plants that can be maintained indoors, consider an elevated garden bed, or choose low-maintenance favorites someone can plant for them outside (but that can still be nurtured and loved by the senior).

Arts & Crafts
Set up an easel and canvas on the porch for painting, or a small table for knitting/crocheting supplies. Open the patio door to let in the fresh air and set up a jigsaw puzzle on the kitchen table. Get floral-themed adult coloring books and colored pencils that can be used indoors and out. A digital camera to rekindle a photography hobby. Keep it simple: the benefits of the creative arts are too valuable to pass up!

Fishing
In the land of 10,000 lakes, you don't usually have to travel far to find a fishing hole. The leisurely pace of fishing means you can absorb the sun, sights, and sounds of nature without too much physical exertion. Not into fishing? Bring along a lawn chair and just enjoy being around the water while soaking up the vitamin D.

Mini Golf
This classic American favorite is a great way to spend a spring afternoon provided the weather isn’t too hot or the course too crowded. There are a number of options for mini golf around Minnesota, whether you're in the city or out in the suburbs. If you can't find one, consider visiting the local public golf course and make up your own games on the practice green.

Parks/Playgrounds
A trip to a local Twin Cities park or playground can provide hours of people- or bird-watching, animals to watch, gentle strolls or walks around the lake, and more. Bring a pack of cards or a simple board game to play at a picnic table — or just enjoy the change of scenery and being outdoors.

If your loved one needs more support for these activities than you can provide, don't give up on the activities. Find a partner you can trust. Hiring a caregiver can provide a companion, a strong arm for someone at risk of falling, a second opinion, a second set of hands or merely support to complement the caregiving you and your family faithfully provide. Give us a call at 952-935-0789 or reach out with our contact form and we can help you discuss possible options for your loved one. We're here to help, or simply answer any questions you may have!