Top 8 Summer Activities to do with your elderly relatives
Summer has arrived with the latest heatwave officially welcoming the warmer months ahead. To make sure you enjoy the longer sunny days, here is a list of some summer activities which the whole family can enjoy!
Have some tea and cake
This is a classic British way to enjoy summer. This is an inexpensive and enjoyable way to catch up with your parents this summer – who doesn’t enjoy a cup of tea? Enjoy the good weather and find a nice venue at a local tea shop or somewhere out of town, or perhaps just take the tea tray into your back garden, sit in the shade and enjoy some relaxation.
Card games
Cards, board games, quizzes are all fun ways to keep your parents on their toes and bring out their competitive sides. Mind puzzles are recommended to keep your alert and there is some evidence around individuals who keep their mind active are more likely to prevent neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Try some family favourites, such a Monopoly, Scrabble and some of the newer ones, such as Pictionary and Articulate.
Picnics
If the weather permits, picnics are a lovely way to bring your parents outside in the sunshine, and it’s a generally pleasant way to make the most of summer. Foldable chairs are cheap and easy to come by if you are in an area which lacks picnic tables. Just make a few of their favourite sandwiches and don’t forget strawberries, which are right in season.
Go for a walk
This doesn’t have to be long or strenuous, but it’s an easy way to get your parents active. This is an enjoyable and simple summer activity to do with your parents. We recommended researching some nice parks or heritage areas in driving distance from your house. This way you can ensure that there is parking in close proximity, good paths and possibly a small café for a treat after the walk. For more ideas on days out, have a look here
Swimming
This is a great sport for the elderly, as it’s good for your joints and there isn’t much resistance. This is also a generally brilliant way to enjoy the summer, but if you need some inspiration to get active and into the pool, here are some elderly individuals who prove that old age isn’t a barrier. In the summer, you can take advantage of many outdoor pools and of course, go to the seaside to swim.
Photography
Summer offers some great opportunities for budding photographers, whether its nature photography in the sun or just capturing memories with the family, photography is a great activity for the elderly. Photography is an easy way to spark your creativity and can be carried out in the comfort, or your own home and garden and is a great way to keep mementoes of the grandchildren and family as they grow.
Gardening
Plant some flowers, grow some vegetables, or water the cress on the window ledge – gardening is a lovely way to get your parents active, giving them a nice hobby to keep up with which not only keeps them active but also satisfies with results at the end. It’s nutritious too. Click HERE to see how to grow your own edible garden
Have a day out
Whether you’re visiting the gallery, going shopping, or eating at a favourite restaurant it’s a fantastic way to catch up with your parents – you might even show them something new. For further inspiration on places to visit, click HERE
