Even in our fair state of Florida, the winter months can result in seniors spending more time indoors and less time engaging with others. After all, snowbirds from the north have flocked to the Clearwater area for the season to escape cold weather, making local roadways, restaurants, and retail shops more crowded; and those of us who live here year-round are more sensitive to cooler temps.
Additionally, seniors with a variety of physical or mental health conditions may not be in a position to get out and about, forcing them to stay home and be more isolated.
Thankfully, March has arrived signifying the official beginning of spring, as temperatures are climbing to meet our expectations for a Florida climate. So, I decided to encourage seniors to plan their own spring break by sharing 5 fun and festive activities to enjoy during this beautiful season before dreaded pollens and intense heat make their debut.
Time to get outdoors and back to nature!
There’s nothing much better than taking in a little fresh air and sunshine, especially if you’ve been staying indoors the last few months. If the outdoor temperature feels a bit too cool for you, wear a hat, a scarf, and dress in layers to stay comfortable.
Daily Caring suggests taking a walk around your neighborhood; or maybe a stroll through a farmer’s market to shop for flowers, fresh produce, local honey, and handmade crafts. Also, you could plan a meal outside or take a scenic drive to get in tune with nature.
If you are not able to venture out too far due to mobility issues or health concerns, open windows to let the fresh air and sunshine in, or try sitting on your patio or front porch for a lovely change of pace.
Add Touches of Spring Bling to Your Space
Holiday decorations may have long been packed away, but there’s St Patrick’s Day, Easter, Passover, and Springtime, itself, for which we can choose to decorate and celebrate!
Adult coloring books are a fun, relaxing activity for seniors, and you can add touches of spring bling to your space by coloring nature scenes, Easter themes, flowers, and butterflies to hang around your home, or anywhere that gives you a lift!
If you have grandchildren in your life, consider coloring Easter eggs and planning an egg hunt. There’s something about children’s laughter that always makes me smile!
Another lovely idea is picking some wildflowers to place in vases or empty bottles to brighten areas of your home that you frequent.
Attend or Host a Family Get-Together
Family means everything to seniors, which is why it is important to plan family gatherings that include them. Invite senior loved ones to a backyard barbeque or Easter Sunday potluck.
Daily Caring takes it a step further saying, “Make it even more fun by involving your older adult in the party planning and decorating.” This will give them a sense of purpose.
Let Your Indoor Garden Grow
Like wildflowers, houseplants add a beautiful touch of nature to your space. “Spring is a perfect time to start an indoor herb garden, grow a trio of flowers or get a miniature bonsai tree,” says Daily Caring.
If growing a real indoor garden is too much, many silk flowers look very real, so you can make an activity of it. Create a colorful arrangement of silk or plastic flowers instead.
Time for Spring Cleaning and Decluttering
Days are getting longer, and the sun is shining brighter showing areas of our homes that need attention. It’s time for spring cleaning and decluttering! This can be difficult for seniors, but it can also be an opportunity for them to reminisce about the good old days by going through keepsakes and old photos depicting pleasant times and stoking stories and special memories.
If you or a loved one is a senior living alone who could benefit from in-home care, I am happy to offer a FREE Consultation to get to know you and assess your specific needs. Home Helpers® caregivers take immense satisfaction in providing non-medical assistance with specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal care, companionship, homemakers services, nutritional meal planning and preparation, respite care, recuperative care, wellness calls, 24-hour monitoring, wake-up and tuck-in services, and so much more.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award 2016-2022 and the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice Award 2022. We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, New Port Richey, Trinity, Port Richey, Hudson, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier℠ 727.942.2539
Source:
Daily Caring
