Four Plans Seniors Need to Make to Continue to Reap Summer's Rewards
As we welcome September, we’re reminded that fall is just around the corner. After months of sunshine and time spent outdoors, we’ll soon be hit with cooler weather and before you know it, cozying up to winter. Although there’s something beautiful about the changing of the seasons, for some seniors, saying goodbye to summer means saying farewell to a more vibrant lifestyle. Cooler weather and less daylight hours leaves many seniors stuck indoors, putting them at risk for loneliness, social isolation, and poorer health.
However, with a little strategic planning, seniors can continue to reap summer’s rewards. So before you hang up your gardening gloves and put away your pickleball paddles, consider how you might continue to pursue the active lifestyle you enjoyed this past summer. Here are four plans seniors need to make to help get you started.
Plan to Stay Active
As the days grow shorter and cooler, outdoor walks and other outdoor recreational activities become less appealing. Seniors should plan how they’ll stay active now before the colder temperatures arrive. Whether it’s getting a membership at a local gym, such as the YMCA of Dodge County or signing up for a senior fitness class at The Watermark, find something that appeals to you. Staying active is extremely important in older age; it is beneficial not only for the physical health of seniors but also for them to remain independent in their homes.
Plan to Stay Connected
Cooler temperatures and the dreary days of fall and winter can make it tempting for seniors to stay home, neglecting their social well-being. Yet, staying socially connected is linked with stronger cognitive functioning and a lower risk of dementia. Make plans now about how you can stay connected once fall and winter arrive. Explore social opportunities at places like The Watermark. Check out events and clubs happening at the Beaver Dam Community Library. Familiarize yourself with transportation services if driving becomes a barrier to staying connected. And don’t miss out on the 11th annual Beaver Dam Pepper Festival, a great community event featuring live music, square dancing, and food.
Plan to Keep Your Mind Engaged
In the late fall and winter seasons, it can be easy for seniors to become idle. Avoid falling into the rut of binge-watching television all day, and make plans to keep your mind engaged. Revisit your favorite hobbies and purchase supplies at local craft stores to keep you busy when the weather turns cold. Sign up for an art class at Art On the Town or stop by during open studio hours. Participate in a local book club or explore adult learning opportunities through the library. Your plans should include at least one brain-engaging activity a day so that you can boost your cognitive functioning.
Plan to Get Outdoors
The last plan to make so that you can continue to reap summer’s rewards is to plan to get outdoors. Spending time outdoors is extremely beneficial for seniors. It lowers the risk of depression, improves concentration and attention span, and boosts mood. Soaking up some sun, even in the fall, helps seniors get vitamin D and can even improve sleep. Plan now how and when you can get outdoors once fall arrives. Take advantage of the warmer days of fall by getting outside as much as you can. Take in the beauty of fall at one of Dodge County’s Parks & Trails, or explore the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area. Set up an area on your outdoor patio where you can spend a few minutes outside, even when the temperatures cool down. Keep a coat and blanket nearby and breathe in the fresh air for a few minutes. When temperatures drop significantly, be sure to open your blind to let in as much natural sunlight as possible.
As the seasons change, perhaps it’s time to make plans to get the help you or your aging loved one needs. Visiting Angels Beaver Dam is here for you. We offer customized senior living care that is provided in the comfort of your or your loved one’s home. Our flexible care plans make care available when you need it, be it overnight, around the clock, once a week, or during specific hours of the day. Our professional and compassionate caregivers can assist with a wide range of tasks, including meal planning and preparation, transportation, personal care, and companionship. Let us be a part of your plan to continue to reap summer’s rewards. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 920-821-1111.