Research has shown that regular exercise and a proper diet can keep you happier and healthier for years, so all of us should be aiming to get a little more active each day this year. This list of spring activities for seniors will help older people, who may at times struggle with mobility, stay active and enjoy being more socially engaged in the outdoors.
Of course, staying active in your older age doesn’t mean you have to run marathons or spend your afternoons sweating inside a gym. There are many activities for you to enjoy in the sunshine this spring whatever level of mobility you or your family member has.
Below, we’ve listed some of our favourite ways to stay active and happy this year.
1) Visit an Accessible Attraction
Visiting a nearby attraction can be a great way to stay active while also enjoying some of the sights and activities the UK has to offer. This could be anything from a local nature walk with accessible trails, to a fun trip out the the zoo or botanical gardens.
You’d be surprised how many steps we tend to rack up when out for the day without even thinking about it! Have a look at our guide to some of the top accessible UK attractions as a great place to start.
If you or your family member has more severe mobility issues, don’t forget that some attractions offer mobility scooter or wheelchair hire to help you get around easier.
2) Socialise with Your Friends & Family
Being active mentally is just as important as physical activity, so why not arrange a regular meet up with your friends and family to get the conversation flowing? The warmer months are perfect for catching up with your loved ones over a leisurely stroll outdoors rather than sitting down at home, and can be a natural and easygoing way to include some light exercise into your daily routine.
If you don’t live in a great area to take walks in, consider finding some local wildlife spots nearby and arranging to meet there instead.
3) Gardening
Gardening provides physical exercise, improves flexibility, and reduces stress. You can plant flowers, grow vegetables, or tend to herb gardens, and do as much or as little as you feel like you can take on. Not only is it a great way to keep active, it’s also a rewarding hobby that can even save money on fruits and vegetables! Raised garden beds and container gardening are suitable if you have limited mobility.
What’s more, gardening offers outdoor time and vitamin D exposure. Community gardens also provide social interaction opportunities, so if you don’t have space in your garden you could consider finding a local allotment to take on.
4) Birdwatching
Birdwatching requires minimal equipment – all you really need is a pair of binoculars and a bird guidebook to help you spot what’s what! Birdwatching can be a rewarding yet relaxing activitiy in the spring time, promoting patience and attentiveness while also offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature.
You can enjoy birdwatching in your backyard, local parks, or nature reserves. Joining birdwatching clubs can also be a great way to engage in more social activities and shared learning experiences.
5) Fishing
Fishing is a relaxing activity that many seniors enjoy as the warmer weather approaches. It’s a fun hobby welcoming to amateurs of all ages, and has the additional benefit of promoting mental well-being and provides light exercise. You can fish in freshwater or saltwater environments.
Many fishing spots have facilities for those with mobility issues, so you should be able to find a space that is accessible to you and any needs you have in your local area.
6) Be A Tourist
You’re never too old to discover some of the hidden gems you live near! Invite a family member or friend to discover some popular tourist attractions in your local area that may have been under your nose without you realising for years.
7) Have A Picnic
Picnics allow you to enjoy outdoor settings and fresh air with also getting in some light activity outdoors. Pack a meal and visit local parks, beaches, or nature reserves hear you. Picnicking is a low-cost, relaxing activity that promotes social interaction and getting some much-needed fresh air!
8) Visit Local Festivals
Spring festivals will often offer entertainment, cultural experiences, and community engagement. You can attend events featuring music, food, crafts, and more. Festivals often include workshops, parades, and exhibitions. They provide opportunities to support local businesses and artisans while enjoying a day out.
9) Try Out a New Hobby
Picking up a new hobby is a great way to tackle loneliness, and it will also get your a little more active without even realising it!
Is there anything you’ve always wanted to try, but never quite gotten round to? Whether that’s a sport, or even joining a book club, trying a new hobby is a great way to keep yourself busy all year round.
10) Focus on Functional Fitness
Fitness definitely doesn’t have to be about pushing yourself to your limit. Sometimes, it can just mean practising exercises that will help your life much easier.
Whether you need assistance walking, getting in and out of bed, or feel you’d like to be able to lift things a little easier, start slowly and build up from there. Use your body weight and practice functional moves like squats, lunges, press ups and sit ups, if you can.
You could even look up some gentle yoga sequences online to help build strength and flexibility in your body this spring.
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