As spring approaches, so too does a warm climate that beckons us off the couch and onto the porch. Getting outside and enjoying nature has health benefits for all. Still, a study from the University of Minnesota showed that spending time outside is especially vital to aging adults’ physical and mental health.
According to the report, seniors who regularly enjoyed both “green” (forested or inland) and “blue” (oceans, ponds, or lakes) nature areas experienced an improved quality of life.
With that in mind, here are a few outdoor activity ideas for seniors this spring.
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Birdwatching
You need only a pair of binoculars, patience, enthusiasm, and the willingness to get out of the door to go birding.
Birding allows for an intimate experience with nature since it requires total immersion in your surroundings. Whether looking for a specific bird or simply observing the birds that come to you, birding helps sharpen the mind through continued focus on the sensory information your eyes and ears provide. Depending on how far you decide to wander, it can also be a great form of exercise.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology lists some of its staff’s favorite spots for birding by state. These destinations provide great “green” and “blue” environments.
Lawn Games
Lawn games provide hours of entertainment with minimal setup required. There are several lawn games that older adults can play, such as bocce ball, badminton, horseshoes, and bean bag toss. All of these games can provide hours of entertainment and many laughs.
Bean bag toss is easy to set up and fun to play.
Those who might not be able to partake in the more physically strenuous lawn games can still lay a blanket down on the grass for a game of checkers or cards.
Miniature Golf
Miniature golf makes for a great group outing. It’s an activity for all ages, so the grandchildren and the grandparents can get involved whether you possess golfing skills or not. Miniature golf guarantees great positive stimulation in the form of friendly competition.
To make the most of the trip, stop somewhere for ice cream on the way home. The loser of the round pays.
Jessica Finlay, one of the researchers involved with the University of Minnesota study, pointed out that no matter what activity you decide to do, the main focus is getting outside. “We discovered how a relatively mundane experience, such as hearing the sound of water or a bee buzzing among flowers, can have a tremendous impact on overall health,” she said.
This spring, make sure you and your loved ones enjoy the outdoors, even if it’s just getting out for a quick stroll.
