Spring Activities for Seniors

 

At United Methodist Communities at Collingswood, our assisted living community in Camden County NJ, we’re so excited that spring has sprung! Bluer skies, warmer temperatures, and blooming flowers mean that we can resume some of our favorite outdoor activities now that winter has passed. 

It’s no secret that being outside in the fresh air and engaging in daily activity, even if it’s just walking, makes you feel better mentally, physically and emotionally. Keeping yourself active as you age is very important, and at Collingswood we encourage our residents to pursue their outdoor hobbies and interests (weather permitting, of course). 

Spring activities seniors can enjoy in New Jersey

Have a picnic. Warm sunshine, soft green grass, and enjoying nature are quite inviting, so why not take full advantage of spending some time outside? Create a picnic basket filled with all your favorite snacks and beverages. Find a place outdoors, like a park or patio, where you can relax and enjoy your meal. Invite a friend you haven’t seen in awhile and spend a lovely, COVID-safe afternoon together in the fresh air. 

Go for a walk. Staying active is not only fun, it’s essential as you get older. Physical activity, including walking, helps maintain healthy circulation, healthy muscles, a healthy heart, healthy lungs, and so much more. Now that temperatures are starting to rise, we recommend incorporating a walk into your daily routine. You can even form a walking group with neighbors, it’s a great way to spend more time together and stay active.

Start an outdoor container garden. Gardening has many benefits. Many seniors are unable to get on their hands and knees and use heavy gardening equipment, so a container garden is a great alternative because it requires little maintenance. You can start a container garden on an outdoor table, or perhaps on a large window sill in your living space.

Birdwatching. Do you know how many different species of birds can be found in your local area? Have you ever visited your local bird watching spots to try and find them? Birdwatching is a popular outdoor hobby, and all you need is a good pair of binoculars and a guide book. Check to see if there are birdwatching groups in your community and perhaps tag along to their next meeting. Spring is an excellent time to start learning all about your local bird species.

Spring cleaning. Springtime is associated with rebirth and renewal, so it’s no wonder that people do some serious cleaning at the start of spring. Clutter causes anxiety and affects how you feel in your own space. Make a list of rooms, closets, or areas of your home that you’ve been meaning to clean out, enlist the help of a friend, and get to work! You’ll feel so much better once you’ve done it — like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. 

Senior care in Camden County, NJ

At Collingswood we encourage and support our residents to spend time outdoors pursuing their interests and hobbies. We’re taking advantage of the warmer weather and fresh spring air by getting outside, staying active, and most importantly by having fun. When you think about independent living for seniors it might conjure images of rigid schedules, but we assure you those cliches are outdated and untrue.

So whether it’s gardening, walking, birdwatching, or some other hobby, our residents are free to explore new interests with friends in a safe and supportive environment. 

For more information about Collingswood, our UMC assisted living community in Camden County NJ, please contact us or visit our website at: https://collingswood.umcommunities.org/assisted-living-south-jersey/

Original blog posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/spring-activities-for-seniors/