Summer Activities that are Safe and Fun for Seniors

The weather is getting nicer, which means you might be itching to spend more time outside. The summer months are an excellent opportunity for older folks to spend time connecting with friends and family while outdoors. While the coronavirus pandemic has made it more difficult to be out and about, there are still some great ways seniors can enjoy the sunshine. 

That said, you’ll want to do your best to safeguard yourself against any potential health risks. And, when accidents happen, you’ll want to be prepared. Medical alert systems are a great way to increase senior independence while maintaining caution. Whether you’re enjoying your home patio or out on a walking trail, a medical alert system can help you feel secure while enjoying summer fun. Nothing feels as good as the comfort of knowing you can contact emergency services with the push of a button.

Safety should be a paramount concern for seniors enjoying the summer weather. Still, there are easy and thoughtful ways that elderly folks, their friends, and their family can spend time outside. Here are a few of our favorites.

• Visit a farmers’ market. Many farmers’ markets around the country are opening amid the coronavirus pandemic, and with good reason. As outdoor markets, these are often the safest places to buy groceries. You might not be able to stroll around the stalls as leisurely as in years past, but you can still get outside and run some errands while enjoying the sunshine.
  

• Have a picnic. Organizing a picnic is a great and relaxing way to get outside. Pick a spot with plenty of shade and be sure to bring plenty of water. Remember that having a picnic is an easy way to practice physical distancing while remaining social. Just make sure your guests are at least six feet apart and nobody shares food.

• Bicycling. If you’re a more active senior, bicycling can be a fun and low-impact way to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise. Remember to check your bike before riding, though, as months of disuse can affect its structural integrity. Find a safe, relatively isolated trail and get moving!

• Try swimming. If you live near a beach, consider heading out to the water and trying your hand at swimming. This can be a great, low-impact way to get active while enjoying the sunshine. If you don’t live near an ocean or lake, consider signing up for water aerobics classes at a local rec center.

• Pick up birdwatching. The summer months bring thousands of different bird species to the United States, some of which are only visible for brief periods each year. Get some binoculars (or make your own!), park yourself in front of your favorite tree, and enjoy the show. 

No matter your favorite summer activity, safety should be the most important consideration. Luckily, with a medical alert system, this won’t be much of a burden. Whether you’re out and about or enjoying your time at home, medical alert systems from Alert1 fit seamlessly into your life. Our systems are designed with senior lifestyles in mind. Unless you have an emergency, you won’t even notice the medical alert system is there.