June is a wonderful month – it’s warm (but not too warm), the kids are getting out of school and all sorts of outdoor events and activities are taking place. For most of us, this time of year is the perfect time to get outside and get active. However, if you or a senior loved one have limited mobility, it can sometimes be difficult to get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather. That doesn’t have to be the case, though, says Fred Kelly, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke, a Memory Care Assisted Living community in Pembroke, MA.
“Everyone can benefit from being outside, even if you have very limited mobility,” he says. “There’s no reason that your senior loved one has to stay shut up inside, and in fact, there are many outdoor activities that those with limited mobility can enjoy.”
Being outside has proven to have numerous health benefits, such as improved moods, better immune systems, more stable circadian rhythms and many others. For individuals with dementia or other forms of cognitive disease, being outside is an activity that stimulates all their senses, which makes it excellent for keeping them engaged and exercising their brains.
“You don’t have to be outside for an entire afternoon to reap the benefits of the great outdoors,” Fred says. “Even 15 minutes outside can leave your senior loved one feeling happier, calmer and more fulfilled. The key is to always gauge your loved one’s reaction, think about what they enjoy doing and plan any activities around that.”
In honor of Great Outdoors Month, here are some outdoor activities for seniors with limited mobility:
Assisted Walks
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise available – it’s easy, affordable and just about anyone can do it. Even those with limited physical abilities can enjoy a nice walk, as long as you make a few adaptations. Here are some ways to do that.
Plan a “couples walk.” It’s a lot easier to walk when there’s a supportive arm helping you along. Either you, a neighbor, friend or family member can walk with your loved one, providing support and interaction while getting exercise.
Use a walker or a cane and find a spot that’s smooth and easy to navigate. This can be up and down the sidewalk, or on a track around a nearby pond.
Ride a scooter. If your loved one has a hard time walking, they can still get the benefit of being outside by riding a scooter around the neighborhood. They’ll get the benefit of fresh air, sunshine and the social opportunity from being with you or someone else.
Go Swimming
Water-based exercises and activities are excellent for seniors with mobility issues. Being in water helps reduce weight, takes strain off muscles and bones and reduces the risk of injury from tripping or falling. If you or your friends don’t have pools, look into recreation centers and community pools that may be open to the public. Depending on your loved one’s ability, you may want to invest in some floaties and other measures in order to keep them as safe as possible.
Birdwatching
Watching the wildlife is a wonderful opportunity to use all your senses without having to exert yourself too much. If your loved one has very limited mobility, simply getting out on the porch and watching birds is a great activity.
Tips for Encouraging Outside Activity
It’s possible that your loved one may be resistant to going outside. If that’s the case, start small and gently encourage him or her. There are plenty of ways for older adults with limited mobility to enjoy the outdoors without expending a lot of energy. Here are some ideas to help nudge your loved one into enjoying the fresh air on their terms.
Open a window in the morning so they can enjoy reading the newspaper, drinking a cup of coffee or anything else in their morning routine. Feeling and smelling the fresh air may inspire your loved one to spend more time outside as the days go on.
If you have a covered porch, start spending more time out there. Consider eating breakfast or lunch outside, or relaxing in the afternoon for an hour or so before your evening rituals.
Set up feeders for the birds and squirrels that are easy to see from a nearby window or porch. Watching the animals may convince your loved one to spend more time outside (and perhaps even help with keeping the feeder full or setting up other spots for different animals).
Plant a garden with your loved one – it doesn’t have to be large. Even having containers with flowers can be a great way to get your loved one outside and involved in nature. You can also look into different plans that attract specific species, like butterflies or hummingbirds. Watching the garden grow and change can be exciting for your senior to watch, and it’s a great way to get in touch with nature without having to travel far at all.
It’s okay to start small – really small. Even heading out to the mailbox every day will give your senior loved one the opportunity to get some fresh air. Not only will this provide a boost of outside enjoyment, but it can also help your loved one feel more useful and improve their stamina, strength and coordination.
Be creative and find ways to incorporate your loved one’s favorite indoor hobbies with the great outdoors. For example, if he or she enjoys painting or other artsy endeavors, set up supplies on the porch or near an open window. If music is more of their passion, find some outdoor concerts to attend.
Safety First
Before heading out into the great outdoors, make sure that your loved one has the proper items needed to keep them safe. Mobility aids like canes, walkers or scooters can be a good option for seniors who feel anxious about their balance or walking ability. If you choose to go to a public park or walking trail, make sure that there are options where you and your loved one can walk without having to worry about rocky trails or other tripping hazards.
Finally, it’s possible that your senior loved one may simply not want to go outside. Always remember to keep expectations realistic. Some seniors may be content to simply sit near an outdoor window, and that’s enough of the great outdoors for them. Don’t forget that you can always bring outside indoors with plants, flowers and other growing things. Even little touches like living plants and open windows can let in fresh air and sunlight, which will keep both of your spirits up and allow you to enjoy the great outdoors in whatever way works for you.
Expert, Life-Enriching Memory Care
Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community promotes a wellness-focused lifestyle that emphasizes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized, ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents.
Inspiring Programs for All Stages
Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke’s services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide personalized attention and programming for residents in every stage of memory loss.
Purposefully Designed Community
Within a beautiful residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Pembroke provides everything residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia need to enjoy comfort, familiarity and security. Soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel at home.
Bridges® by EPOCH is New England’s largest stand-alone memory care assisted living provider.
Contact us today to learn more.