It’s summertime and the living’s easy – and since the days are longer and the weather is warmer, it’s a great time to try out some new activities or get back into seasonal hobbies, and there are some summer activities that are ageless! Here are five that seniors can continue to enjoy:
1. Start a Garden
One of the most relaxing summer pastimes that is enjoyed by many is gardening. Gardening is a great stress reliever that allows you to appreciate the beauty of your outdoor living space by adding foliage such as summer flowers, or greens and shrubs to match your style.
If you are less interested in maintaining flowers and plants, you might enjoy planting a vegetable garden. Check out a beginner’s guide to planting a vegetable garden for tips on how to get started, and which vegetables to plant based on your region.
The best part about having a vegetable garden? You’ll have fresh, healthy food options at your fingertips all summer long! Plus, a home garden saves trips to the grocery store, and may even produce extra vegetables to share with family and friends.
2. Go for a Hike
If you’re looking to go outdoors and explore your area or experience the beauty summer brings, you can always go for a walk or take a hike. Many regions offer walking trails in suburban or city settings, or if you would like some more peace and quiet, you can always look for local parks in your area with nature trails. Summer safety is important, so always remember to pack your sunscreen and keep an ample amount of water with you if you’re heading outdoors in the heat.
3. Go for a Swim
There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot and humid day than cooling off with a nice summer swim. There’s a variety of ways you can take a dip! If you live in an area where there are beaches, you can enjoy the summer from your local lake, river, or ocean. There may also be senior centers that have swimming programs available or public swimming pools with adults-only open swim hours. Don’t feel like leaving the house? There are plenty of options for small pools to take a dip in your own backyard.
4. Have Fun Cooking a Meal
It’s easy to get into a habit of eating out or getting into a rut with preparing the same meals, but summertime offers us an opportunity to explore seasonally fresh foods and cook up healthful meals on the grill.
Beautiful summer days and nights also lend well to changing up our mealtime setting by getting outside more. It’s a chance to create new memories, whether you’re spending time on your patio or packing up a basket and heading to the park for a picnic!
5. Host a Book Club
Summer tends to lead the way to more leisure time. It’s a great opportunity to slow down, sit outside and enjoy a good book that you can’t put down. Not sure where to start? Check out some of the New York Times’ summer book recommendations!
Delving into a good read is also a great opportunity to create connections and stay in touch with family and friends. You can start your own book club, and each person can rotate the book selection for the month. Your group can decide to meet in person or hang out virtually weekly or monthly to discuss your latest selection.