Fun Outdoor Sports and Activities to do with Seniors this Spring

Now is the time to get out and enjoy the weather before the summer sun has valley residents seeking the refuge of the air-conditioned indoors! There is plenty of fun and active things caregivers and loved ones can do with their favorite seniors this spring. Fellowship Square shares some ideas and tips for planning a fun day outdoors.

Fishing — Whether taking a day trip up north or simply visiting an urban lake, there are a multitude of fishing opportunities in Arizona. Prior to grabbing a pole and dropping in a line, it’s a good idea to check out the rules of a specific lake — in regards to license requirements as well as whether it's “catch and release” or if there is a limit on the amount of fish one can take out of the lake. Whether fishing from the shore or spending the day on a pontoon or speedboat, fishing can be as relaxing or as adventurous as each group so chooses!

Swimming and Water Aerobics — For seniors that experience joint pain or that prefer not to participate in high-impact activities, swimming and water aerobics offer the perfect alternatives. Water sports or simply swimming laps provides a low-impact form of exercise that is ideal for people of all ages, seniors included. And on a hot day, a dip in the pool is just what the doctor ordered!

Throwback Yard Games — From lawn darts and corn hole to bocce ball and croquet, spring is an ideal time to get the whole family or neighborhood together for some good old-fashioned fun! A backyard picnic or BBQ is taken to a whole new level with some fun yard games that get people moving and interacting. Put on some music, hang some white string lights and the atmosphere is instantly transformed for an evening garden party.

Gardening — Speaking of gardens… For those nurturers out there, tending to a garden and growing seedlings into flowers, plants or produce can be wonderfully therapeutic. It’s also a great way to spend time outdoors. Gardening is an activity that can be done at any age from toddler to senior — so grandparents and their own little seedlings can bond over some seed packets and fresh soil, and then reap the benefits as the garden and the relationship grow!

Walking, Hiking, Biking and More — Arizona has an abundance of trails, and not just up in the mountains. Many fabulous trails begin just minutes from the state’s many urban centers. From mostly flat terrain to more difficult switchbacks, seniors and their loved ones have plenty of choices when it comes to local trails.

Regardless of how retirees and their caregivers or loved ones spend their time outdoors this season, it’s important that they are prepared for outdoor activity. Protecting the skin with sunscreen, clothing (including hat and sunglasses not to mention proper shoes) and liberal application of sunscreen before and during outdoor activities are key. It’s also a good idea to bring plenty of water and some small healthy snacks just in case sometime starts feeling a little weary. Fellowship Square wishes its residents and their loved ones a safe and happy exploration of the great outdoors this season!