Tips for Seniors to Remain Active in the Spring

Spring is such a joyous season and is favored by many. Here are some great ways for seniors to remain active. 

It is hard to contain your excitement with the birds returning, the trees budding, and the tulips starting to bloom. 

Spring is an excellent time to become more active and enjoy the sunshine. Regardless of your age or abilities, there is a spring activity for everyone. 

Here are 7 ideas for you to get active this spring. 

Spring cleaning. It only seems fair to start a list of staying active in the spring, with the first point being spring cleaning. Spending a few days sorting through your belongings will give you a chance to clear out clutter and revisit some old memories while you're at it.  

It always feels good to clear out clutter and give your home a deep clean. If you do not feel like you are able to do all the chores to clean and declutter, it would be a perfect time to ask your children, grandkids, nieces, nephews, or friends for a helping hand. Talk about a great bonding moment. 

Get active. Spring is the perfect time to head outside for a walk. After endearing a long, frigid winter, a little sunshine will lift your spirits. 

Organizing a walking group is a wonderful way for seniors to remain active and connect with others. If you are not able to go for a walk, there are many other activities you can enjoy. 

You can enroll in classes that are aimed at older adults, like yoga, tai chi, and dance. You can also find seated exercises if that is easier for you. 

Maintaining mobility and avoiding injury can be achieved through staying active. Just stay within your limits and comfort zone to avoid hurting yourself. 

If you can get outside to exercise, all the better. Enjoying an activity outdoors will help replenish your vitamin D stores and improve your overall health. 

Freshen up your diet. After eating hearty, comforting winter dishes, it is always nice to enjoy the fresh produce that comes with spring. 

Some seasonal fruits and vegetables you can find in abundance in the spring are:

• Kale
• Cucumbers
• Apples
• Asparagus
• Mushrooms
• Strawberries
• Rhubarb
• Spinach

Eating fresh and nutritionally dense food will help you feel better and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases that are thought to come with age, like heart disease, cancers, and diabetes. 

Garden. After a long, frosty winter, there is nothing quite as satisfying as getting your hands in the earth. 

No matter your ability or how much space you have, you can enjoy growing something. There are raised garden bed options if getting down on the ground or bending over is an issue. You can have raised beds that will make tending to your garden more accessible. 

If space is an issue, having a couple of containers with flowers, fruits, or a few vegetables is a great way to connect to mother nature and grow something beautiful. 

Gardening is a terrific way to exercise and get out into the sun. You could even start a gardening club to make it a more social event. 

Take care of your seasonal allergies. Spring is a beautiful season, but it does come with a downside for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. 

Having allergies doesn't mean you cannot enjoy all that spring has to offer; you may need to plan a little differently. Typically, pollen is lower in the afternoon and evening. Try to avoid planning any activities in the morning hours. Pollen is also a lot lower after rain. As we all know, spring is infamous for its rainy days. Planning a walk after it has rained will reduce your allergies. 

It would be ideal to speak with your doctor about the best allergy medications for you to help reduce experiencing possible side effects like confusion and drowsiness. 

Visit a farmers' market. Spending an afternoon browsing a farmer's market is a wonderful way to be more active in the spring. You can get fresh produce and original crafts and enjoy some delicious fresh baked goods. 

Visiting a farmers' market is a terrific way to get outside and meet new people on a sunny spring day. 

Birdwatch. All the birds are returning from their winter getaways and are just as excited to celebrate the spring. You can make your own bird feeder or buy one while visiting a farmers’ market, fill it up with bird food, and wait to see what kind of birds come to your yard. 

You can visit a local pond and feed the ducks for a fun spring activity. 

Why seniors need to stay active

Health. Staying active even as we become older adults is crucial to maintaining your health. It's important to stay active and be as healthy as possible to continue living a lifestyle you love and prevent age-related diseases. Even light exercising can help with mobility, feeling stronger, improved energy, better moods, and feeling younger overall. 

Quality of life. Living an active life is an excellent way to improve and maintain an exceptional quality of life. Exercising and eating a well-balanced diet is a proactive way to maintain or improve your quality of life as you age. 

Improved immune system. Staying active, eating well, and reducing stress as much as possible is a terrific way to strengthen your immune system. Not getting colds and flus as often is a side effect of a good immune system, and if you do get sick, a robust immune system will help your body battle the illness more efficiently.

Conclusion

As the air starts to warm up and the days grow longer, it's important to find an activity that you enjoy this spring. Staying active has so many benefits.

Living an active life may look a little different as we age, but there are still tons of activities you can participate in. Even if your mobility has changed over the years, you can still find something to enjoy that will get you moving. 

Do you or a senior loved one need some assistance this spring to remain active? Comfort Keepers can help! Call (812) 370-4956 to learn more.