Bye-bye, winter! Hello, springtime sun and cheery weather! After the long, cold months have melted away and we’ve sprung forward into a new season, many of us are already thinking of ways to get out, enjoy the nicer weather and shake off the winter blues.
“Most of us have some form of cabin fever once spring arrives, and we’re ready to try something new and get ourselves revitalized for spring,” says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford. “Spring is the perfect time for seniors of all ages to put some pep in their step and put plans into place that will have them living a happy, healthy and fulfilled springtime season – and beyond.”
Getting outside after having been cooped up for months provides numerous benefits, not the least of which is getting more exercise, says Erica.
“It’s really easy to fall into an exercise slump during the winter months because it’s cold and harder to get outside,,” she says. “However, staying active is so important for us as we age – it’s one of the best things we can do to keep our bodies in shape and our abilities in top form so that we can continue to do the things we love. That’s perhaps my favorite part about spring – there are so many ways to get outside and get some exercise, whether that’s gardening or simply strolling along the block to see all the trees in bloom.”
If you or your senior loved one are looking for ways to leap forward into spring and start enjoying everything the season has to offer, why not try a few of these activities?
Put your green thumb to work.
You’ve probably already seen the first signs of spring appearing … the soft green of growing grass, budding bulbs like tulips and daffodils and crocuses and (ugh) the sprouting of this year’s first crop of weeds. Once you start to notice the ground warming up and plants beginning to wake, it’s time to grab your gardening gloves and get your flower beds ready for the warmer months. Gardening is a hugely popular activity for all ages, but especially for seniors, because it provides a variety of flexibility and dexterity opportunities as well as low-impact exercise. Weeding, planting seedlings and tending throughout the season will provide a chance to stretch those muscles, as well as soak up some well-needed Vitamin D – just be sure to wear sunscreen or a big floppy hat to avoid sunburns.
Grab your binoculars.
Birdwatching is yet another popular activity for seniors, and it’s particularly fun to do in the spring. You’ll be able to catch sight of migratory birds flocking to their nesting grounds, watch area species court for mates and nurture a clutch of babies, and get some fresh air while you’re doing it. If you’re an active senior, you can head out to a nature center or wildlife refuge to see birds in their natural habitat. Even people who may have mobility issues can get in on the fun by putting up bird feeders and seeing how many winged friends they can attract.
Lace on your walking shoes.
Stretching your legs and taking a brisk walk are a great way to get fresh air and fresh sights. Walking clubs are becoming more and more popular throughout the country, whether it’s a neighborhood group or a small group of senior friends … so plan to put on those shoes and meet up with a few friends at a local park once we’re cleared from social distancing! Studies show that seniors who walk on a regular basis are 28 percent less likely to become disabled, so if you’ve been looking for ways to get a little extra exercise this spring, a brisk stroll is a fantastic way to make that happen. Shoot for small victories if you aren’t as active as you’d like – even a morning or evening walk around the block can help you reap big health benefits. Start small with 10- to 15-minute walks, and then increase your time and pace as your loved one’s body allows.
Pack a picnic.
Doesn’t a picnic lunch in the park sound great? Although spring can be a bit chilly for most of us in the northern hemisphere, there are plenty of beautiful days when grabbing some sandwiches and heading to the park makes a perfect afternoon outing. Check the weather to see what the forecast will be for the day or the week and make plans to head for your favorite outdoor spot when the weather seems amenable. While social distancing is still in place, you can simply ‘pack’ a picnic and have it in the comfort of your own backyard for a little change of scenery – and fun!
Do a little spring cleaning.
Cleaning? What does cleaning have to do with a list of fun springtime activities? As it turns out, it’s very appropriate – a good spring clean gets your blood pumping and helps you get your home and lifestyle in order for the upcoming spring months. Besides tackling dust, cobwebs and dirt, there are plenty of other beneficial things you can do during a spring clean, like going through your possessions and downsizing – if you’re a senior, this can be a good incentive to pack up and get ready for a move to a senior living community. Be sure to gauge your abilities appropriately – don’t try and bite off more than you can chew by tackling your entire home over a weekend. Start small and take manageable, bite-sized chunks. Doing a little bit each time will help you be more successful without becoming overwhelmed.
Try something new.
Spring just naturally brings new things, so if you’ve been wanting to try your hand at a new hobby or look for new opportunities, there’s no better time of the year to make that happen. You can look online for senior-friendly hobbies and activities and determine what might pique your loved one’s interest.
The most important thing to remember when shaking off the winter blues is to pick something you and your loved one will enjoy – and then go after it. Anything that gets you excited and interested is fair game. Take a look around, and you may soon find you’ll need help narrowing down your options. Enjoy – and happy spring!
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