May 25th is here, and it doesn’t just indicate that summer is right around the corner; today, we also celebrate National Senior Health and Fitness Day. As the weather starts to warm up, this is a great time to visit a senior friend, family member, or meet someone new. If you are interested in participating with a senior this year, here are six simple ideas to consider.
Make Sure They are Up to Date on Medications and Appointments
If you are looking to get involved but are unsure where to start, consider assisting with your senior companions’ daily routine. Especially with modern technology streamlining many aspects of daily life, a younger mentor can help a senior understand how to use these new programs. Technology is now playing a role in ordering medications, refilling prescriptions, or attending appointments from home. In this digital era, some appointments are easier to attend virtually rather than in person.
For the appointments that can be done online—such as updating a glasses prescription—help them set up and sign into the call so they can attend without a hassle. Afterward, you can even help them order new prescription lenses online as a way to avoid a trip to the store. Between setting up family zoom calls or updating prescription information, you can bring a little more ease to your senior friend’s daily routine while keeping them on top of their health.
Take a Walk With a Senior
Whether this senior companion is family or a new friend, a great way to get out and active is by taking a walk. If mobility is limited, a short walk around the house or yard is a great place to start. If they are up for a little more activity, find a local park or garden for a nice outdoor exercise. Walking is a good workout to get their body moving and enjoy a little change of scenery, while keeping the risk of a fall or injury at a minimum..
There are many great local parks in the Chico area. Everyone know about the wonderful areas encompassing Bidwell Park, but there are others as well, including: Kentfield Gardens, Oak Way Park, Verbena Fields, and many more. If you are not local or need help finding a park near you, this park finder is a great resource to search outdoor spots in your area.
Go Fishing or Golfing
For the avid fishermen and golfers, consider a trip to Teichert Ponds or the Bidwell Park Golf Course. A few quiet and relaxing hours outside could be the perfect way to spend the afternoon with your senior friend. Fishing doesn’t require a lot of movement, which makes for a great option for less mobile seniors. While it may not require a lot of mobility, it makes for a great way to practice patience and have nice conversations.
Playing 9-holes of golf will definitely help you get your steps in, and is a fun way to pass the time. If feasible, walk the course instead of taking a golf cart for optimal exercise. This can get their heart rate up while maintaining form and precision during the game.
Get Outside and Garden
Another great outdoor activity with your senior friend is gardening. Not only is it a great source of Vitamin D, but also an opportunity to get your hands a little dirty to reap a beautiful reward. If your senior friend has outdoor landscaping, visit a local garden center and pick out a fun summer flower to plant. This can add a little extra color to their garden and act as a relaxing afternoon activity.
If there is no outdoor gardening to do or if the weather isn’t cooperating, try looking for ways to add some color inside their house. Houseplants and succulents are a low maintenance and easy place to start. You can either visit a local Chico plant shop or browse their selection online to find the perfect plants for a little inside garden. This is a great way to spend a gloomy day or spruce up their living space.
Play Chair Sports
Chair sports have become increasingly popular in the past few years and are a great way to get in a little low-risk exercise. With team sports like chair volleyball, you can get a dozen seniors involved for an afternoon game. Since it only requires upper body movement, it does not exclude seniors in wheelchairs or others with limited mobility. Also, playing with a lightweight ball such as a beach ball will avoid any impact injuries. No matter how many people participate, it is sure to bring some laughter and movement to their afternoon.
Aside from team sports like chair volleyball, chair yoga is another way to get up and exercise without relying on others participation. This can be beneficial as a recovery exercise from a recent injury, and also to improve flexibility and breathing. Since it doesn’t wear on your joints as much, it can be a great thing to try even if your senior friend is not regularly active.
Take a Senior to Enjoy Live Music
One thing you may have in common with your senior friend is a love for music and dancing. While you probably have different tastes in genre, getting out to a local live music spot could be just what the both of you need. Whether you sit and enjoy the performance or get up and groove around, this is the perfect way to get in a little exercise while lifting their spirits.
If you are looking for live music in the Chico area, Friday Night Concerts are back! From now until October 7th, enjoy live music in the Chico City Plaza every Friday from 7pm-8:30pm. With a wide variety of artists and bands, you will have many options to choose from. View the full artist lineup at dates here.
Staying active and healthy this year is important, and National Senior Health and Fitness Day is a great time to start. If you know a senior who needs assistance at home in Chico, CA, reach out to our staff of home care experts at Butte Home Health.
