After two years of isolation, let’s dedicate this summer to trying new things, being grateful to those around us, creating memories, and doing what makes us happy. Below is a list of our suggested Top 10 Summer Activities:
1. Soak Up Some Sun
Whether at the beach, a park, or just your backyard, enjoying the sun doesn’t just make us feel better, Vitamin D is necessary for bone and muscle function, too. It’s a win-win. Just be sure to protect yourself with these sunshine exposure tips for people with Parkinson’s.
2. Create or Tend a Garden
Spending time pulling weeds or planting flowers, fruits, or vegetables keeps your hands busy. This leads to more flexible hand muscles, which could help reduce stiffness and tremors. In addition, gardening can help relieve stress and promote relaxation.
3. Attend Outdoor Entertainment
Live music, Shakespeare in the Park, your grandson’s baseball game, or anything you’ve missed over the last two years is reason enough to get outside and be entertained, all while supporting your local community.
4. Take a Walk
Whether your legs still love to run or you prefer the buoying support of pole walking, getting outside and moving around is a great way to keep the body and mind in shape. Moving outdoors on different terrain helps with lower-body flexibility and improves stamina, which can lead to better blood flow and mental clarity.
5. Host a Backyard BBQ
Spending time with family and friends couldn’t be more important after two years of isolation. Host that backyard event and start socializing again!
6. Go Swimming
If you have access to a body of water, it’s a great time to splash around! Because of the buoyancy, swimming is easier on the joints than many other forms of exercise, and can be relaxing as well. Swimming using different strokes is a great low-impact exercise that improves flexibility and uses several different muscle groups.
7. Take Up Bird Watching
Bird watching can be entertaining and engaging as you attempt to identify different birds. According to AARP, Bird Watching is the #1 most popular activity amongst seniors.
8. Go Star Gazing
Take advantage of warm summer nights by getting out of town away from light pollution and looking up into the night sky. Identify constellations, discover the beauty of the Milky Way Galaxy, and even catch a meteor shower.
9. Go to a Farmer’s Market
Summer is the season for farmer’s markets, craft fairs, flea markets and more. Walk around the booths, browse for deals, and go for lunch afterwards, all while supporting your local community.
10. Enjoy Nature
Spend some time outdoors. It may not even feel like a workout to the nature lover. Research has shown that walking in nature can help with depression and anxiety.
