For so many people, summer is their favorite season. It brings warmer weather, a more relaxed schedule, vacations, and more time spent with family and friends. It can feel like the world is coming alive after a long, cold winter. But it can also bring very hot temperatures, dangerous sun exposure, bugs, and other elements of which you must be aware, especially if you are an older adult.
Keep reading to learn some fun activities you can incorporate into your schedule this summer. These will help you take advantage of the best parts of the season, while being mindful of staying cool, hydrated, and protected from harmful elements.
Choose a theme for your entertainment.
Do you enjoy reading books, browsing through magazines, or watching television? You can continue to enjoy all of these activities with a summer theme! Choose entertainment that references the summer season, sea life, traveling, topical locations, or anything else that reminds you of these warmer months. Best of all, you will expand your horizon to learn something new about history, wildlife, or geography.
Try new summer-inspired recipes.
Summer offers so many new foods in season and the ability to grill and BBQ. Get inspired by searching for new recipes online that bring in the flavors of summer like fresh fruits and vegetables, cool treats, and much more. Pick out a menu that makes you excited and invite family and friends to join in the preparation and taste-testing. Good food is made even better when it is shared!
Take it outside.
You’ll want to be mindful of temperatures and sun exposure, but the evenings or early mornings are great times to enjoy the outdoors before the heat of the day. Begin a new summer routine where you enjoy your morning reading and coffee on the porch or from a park. In the evenings, close out your day with some intentional time spent in nature. Even just 15 minutes of this fresh air, blue skies, and relaxing sounds will leave you feeling connected to the season and grateful for its unique qualities.
Plan something to look forward to.
Maybe a big trip this summer isn’t in the cards. You can still plan something that will build excitement for the season! Can you take a day trip somewhere? Is there a family gathering, picnic, graduation party, or other celebration coming up? What about hosting someone at your home? All of these will add a bit of “sunshine” to your normal routine that you can look forward to. Be intentional about where you want to spend your time this summer and invest in relationships and experiences. That’s what life is all about!
How do you plan to make the most of the summer season? We hope these ideas bring inspiration to everyone, especially our senior friends!