Five Fun Activities for Better Health This Spring
A new season is here, and with it brings a fresh, new start for better health. Each day you can make choices that are positive for your physical health and your mental well-being. Take advantage of the outdoors, before the higher temperatures and humidity of summer approach. Use the new season to reconnect with old friends and plan some outings in the area. Make a list of things you might want to do this spring, and start planning. Here are five ideas for fun activities this spring for better health for senior citizens.
Gardening
Planning for, planting and tending to a garden this spring can be both fun, and exercise for your brain and body. Calculating what flowers, plants and herbs might fit in your area, puts the brain to work. Planting those items uses arm strength, and more especially, you’re getting down the ground to dig. Tending to the garden all spring and summer also gives extra activity as you’re weeding, pulling freshly-grown vegetables off of vines and pruning. Another benefit of gardening is a mental boost. Seeing something you grew from just a seed turn into something you can put into your nightly salad is satisfying, and gives people a sense of accomplishment.
Have a Picnic
Take some of the fruits of your labor in the garden, and turn them into something delicious. Pack them up for a picnic. To add some activity in your picnic other than just eating, find a shady spot at the end of a walking trail at one of the local parks. Or get down on the ground and do some yoga stretches before eating the cucumber sandwiches you’ve prepared. Packing the picnic, and carrying your basket to your locale will give you some exercise. Make sure to pack some healthy foods, such as your freshly-grown produce.
Visit Lake Griffin State Park
Not too far from home is the majestic Lake Griffin State Park, where you can do a plethora of spring activities, many of which will keep you active, moving and help you keep your goal of being healthier this spring in the forefront. The 620-acre park has everything from fishing to kayaking. The park even has motorized boat tours on a pontoon, in case you’ve had enough physical activity for the day after hiking and want to relax a bit. The park is a haven for bird watchers, who love trying to find rare species along the two paths, that total two miles in length. A unique feature of the park is its many habitats, from swamps to sandhills. On your journey through the park, you also can see Florida’s second largest live oak tree, which is more than 400 years old. If you haven’t had enough activity during the day, you can even set up a tent and camp outside for the night.
Childlike Fun
Take hold of the season, and do some activities that make you feel the excitement of childlike fun. Head to Tree Tops Golf, and get in some rounds of mini golf. While you’re there, you can also hit the softball batting cages, and swing for the fences. Take a trip to Uncle Donald’s Farm, and pet the goats, touch chickens and even feel a pig. You can feed the animals, and also try to spot some of the cute cats that roam the place. For some free fun, grab a frisbee and throw it around with the grandchildren. Or fill up some water balloons and take your aim. See if the younger generation knows how to play hopscotch. Draw the board in chalk, find a rock, and start hopping.
Be Kind to the Mind
The Center for Health and Wellbeing in Lady Lake has a number of activities lined up this spring and beyond aimed at relaxation and better health for your mind. For example, there are several upcoming Crystal Bowl Sound Meditation classes planned for April and beyond. The class is billed as part meditation and part listening exercise, as you listen to sound baths played with crystal singing bowls and chimes. The center also has classes on Movement as Medicine, Laughter Yoga, Eating for Longevity, and Music for a Joyful Life.
Visiting Angels Can Help
Our expert, compassionate caregivers at Visiting Angels, can help care for your senior loved ones this spring, and any season of the year. We at Visiting Angels The Villages can help with everything from going for a safe walk on sunny spring days with seniors, to ensuring they are cleaned up and dressed in their spring finest for an outing with family and friends. Our trained professionals can also help seniors with any activities of daily living they may need help with, as well as simply be there for them as a companion for conversation and activities. Our caregivers also can help with specialty needs such as dementia care.
Our caregivers serve seniors in The Villages, Lady Lake, Fruitland Park and other communities in Lake and Sumter counties. We can help your senior maintain meaningful lives. For information on helpers in Lake and Sumter Counties, contact us online or call us at (352) 643-0702. Our main office is located at 367 Fennell Blvd.