Five Ways to Welcome Spring With Your Senior Loved One
Spring is a time to emerge from the cozy cocoon we’ve made, usually indoors, during the cold winter months in the Philadelphia area. It is a time of rebirth and new beginnings. It is also a great time to plan out new activities with our senior loved ones, to take advantage of the sun and better weather, as well as the time we have together. Whether it’s with some old favorites, or something completely new, take some time to plan for fun with your senior loved one at this time of the year. Here are five suggestions for ways to welcome spring this year with your senior loved one.
Become A Local Tourist
Often it takes out-of-town visitors for us to see some of the most famous sites nearby. But take some time this spring to make a list of local well-known sites, and make a plan to visit them with your senior loved one. Maybe you haven’t been back to the Liberty Bell since your grade school field trip. Make a day trip and look at it from the perspective of a seasoned adult. While you're on your trek to Philly from Chadds Ford, you may as well visit Independence Hall to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed. And even if your senior can’t navigate to the top, you might want to check out the “Rocky” steps too, while you’re in town.
If you’re into historic sites, visit Valley Forge, and then stop closer to home at the Brandywine Battlefield, which is home to the largest single day battle of the American Revolution.
Think of all the spots you’d take visitors from out of town if they were staying with you, and go see those - including historic sites and restaurants. Cross off all the places you’ve always wanted to see in and around your hometown this spring.
Nature’s Bounty
It’s the perfect season to start planting in this area. If you’re into growing your own vegetables and fruits, start to get them into the ground. Gardening is a great way to kick off spring with your senior loved one. If you’re more into shopping for fresh produce at local markets, make a list of nearby spots with a seasonal bounty, and hit a new one each week to see what fun produce they have. Many open this month. Whichever way you get the fruits of the season, plan something fun to do with them with your senior loved one. Make desserts with the seasonal fruits. Make a fun charcuterie board with the veggies and local honey. Look up recipes together, and find some that sound appealing to both of you. Make a list, and plan to try a new recipe each week, whether it is blueberry cobbler or fresh-squeezed lemonade infused with ginger and raspberries.
Do Some Spring Cleaning
Cleaning and decluttering can not only clean up your home, but also ease your mind. Help your senior loved one have a peaceful living space this spring, by helping them clean out their home. You can make a master plan, which can include deep cleaning, as well as cleaning out things such as drawers, closets, and the dreaded basement. Give things away to others and charities. Sell things of value that they no longer want, and use the money to fund some spring adventures.
Seek Out Beauty
A great way to add some beauty to your spring is to head to the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art. On the property you’ll find art within the 15 buildings on campus, and among the natural areas outside. You can find nature at its best here, with rivers to kayak on, trails to walk on and species to seek out. As nature blooms, see the various wildflowers on the campus. The land is filled with wildflower and nature plant gardens. You’re also likely to see lots of critters, and might even have a beautiful butterfly land on you.
Find Some New Walking Trails
Set out on a mission to explore new areas of your community by foot. Whether you and your senior loved one take a new path, and walk by different houses in their own neighborhood, or drive to new parks each week, mix it up a little bit. If they are able, try some more rugged paths, or areas with inclines for a little spring challenge. Head to the Harvey Run Trail and go over bridges, but with minimal challenge. If your senior loved one has difficulty walking, be their guide. If they love to take afternoon walks to soak in the sun when you aren’t around, consider having a friend help, or hiring a caregiver to help them get their exercise. Visiting Angels has a special safe and steady program that can help seniors stay safely on their feet during walks, or whatever they are doing.
Spring is a time to emerge from the cozy cocoon we’ve made, usually indoors, during the cold winter months in the Philadelphia area. It is a time of rebirth and new beginnings. It is also a great time to plan out new activities with our senior loved ones, to take advantage of the sun and better weather, as well as the time we have together. Whether it’s with some old favorites, or something completely new, take some time to plan for fun with your senior loved one at this time of the year. Here are five suggestions for ways to welcome spring this year with your senior loved one.