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Spring Activities for Seniors

When you live in the north, the first nice day lures residents outdoors. We don’t even wait for spring. We walk our dogs, mow our lawns, plant seeds, take walks and enjoy the weather.

However, sometimes, as we grow older, we lose the urge to bask in the sun and smell the grass growing. That’s not good for our health. It’s even worse for the health of our parents.

We’ve frequently been told that it’s not a good idea for older people to go outdoors, because of the risk of skin cancer or the risk of medication-caused sunburn. However, everyone needs some sunlight, and older people need more to generate vitamin D.

People over the age of 50 have an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency (link to sunlight blog). The best way to get vitamin D is through 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight before 10 o’clock a couple of times a week.

Sunlight also stimulates the production of endorphins, which makes everyone happier.

Science has proven that being in nature, even if it’s a community garden or a nearby park, benefits everyone. Contact with the natural environment increases attention, reduces stress, boosts positive emotions and, when done with others, promotes social engagement and support.

Numerous studies have focused on the advantages older adults receive from contact with nature. “We zoomed in to everyday life for seniors between the ages of 65 and 86. We discovered how a relatively mundane experience, such as hearing the sound of water or a bee buzzing among flowers, can have a tremendous impact on overall health,” said one study’s lead author, Jessica Finlay.

Her study found that contact with nature

  • Encourages physical activity and engagement
  • Increases energy
  • Fights depression
  • Boosts memory
  • Improves physical health

Spring Activities for Seniors

However, some of the outdoor activities we may enjoy, such as walking the dog or jogging, may be too strenuous for our parents. Try these activities to enjoy time with your parent as both of you experience the joy of spring:

Visit a zoo or aquarium

Enjoy the animals, the babies born in the spring, and the children who are always present. Most zoos have wheelchairs for rent if your parent gets tired.

Pack a picnic

You don’t have to go far to relax with a picnic lunch. Bring along a lawn chair (or two) so your parent (and you) can easily get off the ground.

Go to a nearby park

Enjoy the children playing and people walking their dogs at a nearby park. Many parks also have picnic tables and grills, so you can have your picnic lunch without having to tote chairs.

Take a drive

Remember when you were a child, and your parents would take you on leisurely car rides on Sunday? Why not return the favor? You won’t get the benefits of being in the sun, but your parent is sure to enjoy it anyway.

Listen to the music

Many communities offer regular free outdoor concerts during the spring and summer. Bring along a couple of chairs so you can sit and enjoy the music.

Outdoor church services

During the summer, some churches hold services outside. If one near you offers the opportunity, try it.

Dine out

If your parent has a favorite restaurant, schedule a lunch or, perhaps, Sunday brunch after church. Socialization poses a problem for many older people, and the more they’re around others, the better.

Small festivals

Small festivals are not known for easy-to-access parking, but they don’t take up acres of land as amusement parks do. Even if you have to walk or push a wheelchair a few blocks, it may be worth it.

Senior center travel excursions

Most towns have an Area Agency on Aging, and many offer one-day excursions specifically for older adults.

Go fishing

Even if your parent is wheelchair-bound, they can still fish. If your dad has always loved fishing, why not give it a go?

Bird-watching

Get a pair (or two) of binoculars and a bird guide and discover how many you can spot. Or expand the concept into a contest to determine how many animals you can spot. At many state parks, you don’t even have to get out of the car to enjoy this game.

At The Arbors Assisted Living Residential Communities, we offer bowling, spa days, shopping outings, bus trips, and live entertainment. Even during the winter, residents and their families enjoy our sunrooms, but in the spring, you’re more likely to find them chatting in the courtyard or gardening.

We believe in creating an engaging, stimulating environment that respects the privacy and encourages the independence of residents. We promote a lifestyle of health and wellness, with programs that benefit brain health, physical fitness and more.

If you have questions about how The Arbors can help your parent live an independent, active, fulfilling life, please contact us.

 

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


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Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

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No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

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You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
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