Getting on in years doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy life to the fullest. There are many enjoyable nature activities that you can still try in your leisure time to stay healthy and happy. Who knows? You might even pick up a new hobby.
Gardening
Gardening is a rather flexible activity – it can be as simple as having a few potted veggies on the porch or you can go for an entire plot in the backyard.
It’s one of the best outdoor activities for the elderly that benefits your mental and physical health. Set up a comfortable garden for yourself that you and your family can enjoy. Here are some tips on getting started:
- Ensure the gardening spot gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sun every day
- Make sure there’s a nearby water source
- Incline the garden bed if possible so that you don’t have to bend and kneel as much
- Try vertical gardening if possible – it uses less space, and there’s no need to kneel and stoop
- Get a stool so you can sit while you garden
Walking
Walking is a simple outdoor exercise that comes with tons of health benefits.
- It’s 100% free
- It improves heart health
- It boosts your mood
- It strengthens bones and muscles
- It can significantly improve your sleep
- It slows down the aging process in the brain
Bird Watching
Bird watching is a fun hobby, and it’s also beloved amongst older folks. Find the best spots to bird-watch, including:
- Your backyard: Try setting up a bird feeder or a birdbath to attract more birds to your backyard
- The local park: Especially in larger cities, where birds flock to the parks
- The forest: You’ll get to spot a huge variety of birds, including owls
- The marshes: Especially for those who live near the coast, you’ll get to spot some exotic birds there
Outdoor Theatre and Music
While you can certainly watch movies and listen to music at home, taking it outdoors just makes things better. You’ll get to leave the house, and being surrounded by nature as you appreciate music is excellent for the mind, body, and soul. It’s also great for socialization – you might end up meeting new friends too.
Picking Fruit
It’s an activity that kills two birds with one stone – you get to spend time in the great outdoors, and you get to enjoy fresh fruit. Picking fruit also involves moderate exercise and movement, so it keeps you limber.
Craft Shows
For people who love crafts, craft shows offer the allure of fresh air and walking around outdoors, as well as the opportunity to browse crafts stalls. You might even meet like-minded new friends who are browsing crafts, too.
Classic Picnic Lunch
Take your lunch outdoors, and make it a picnic in the park – or at the beach, or by the lake.
What should you pack for a picnic lunch?
- Sandwiches that are easy to eat when sitting on the grass or a park bench
- Any type of salad
- Cookies, chocolate, and other desserts that don’t require utensils to eat
- Bottled or canned drinks, which don’t require cups or glasses
