The summer months are known for lots of beautiful sunshine, but it is also known for extreme weather conditions and excessively high temperatures – all of which may prove to be dangerous to seniors. It is a known fact that the elderly are more sensitive to the heat. 
Despite this, older adults should still be encouraged to move and get in a little exercise. In this guide, you will be introduced to three safe and highly enjoyable activities for seniors to do during the summer months.
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Water Activities
One of the best activities that seniors may engage in the summer are those that involve the water. These activities will help elderly adults stay active and fit, while beating the heat. Activities performed in the water – such as low-impact water aerobics – are fantastic for older adults that have stiff joints, mobility issues, and/or arthritis.
Other water activities include water walking, flutter kicking, standing water push-ups, and leg lifts. Water activities help a senior move freely and easily than they are able to outside of the water and is often considered to be quite fun.
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Sunrises and Sunsets
It is a known fact that sunlight provides an ample source of vitamin D. This vitamin is known to boost the immune system of the body and improve the health of the brain. While it is warmer in the summer, there are cooler periods of the day that will help seniors get a healthy dose of vitamin D.
Two of the coolest times of the day are when the sun rises and when the sun sets. Not only are these safe outdoor activities, the watching of sunrises and sunsets may bring back memories to the individual observing them about other periods in their live.
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Art Therapy
Art therapy helps seniors by teaching them to engage in movements that are slow and deliberate. These movements aid in restoring lost motor function among those that suffer from certain types of ailments and/or certain physical-based disabilities.
It has been found that art therapy reduces pain among seniors. Examples of art therapy include drawing, coloring, painting, finger painting, sculpting, and even photography. This is especially helpful for seniors who have dementia or have lost the ability to verbally communicate.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many exciting and engaging activities that seniors may engage in during the summer months. In addition to water activities, sunrises and sunsets, and art therapy, you may encourage the elderly to join a social group or club based on either their age or hobbies, create a small indoor garden, sponsor a child in the Save the Children program or something similar, or bake their best pies and donate them to a local food bank.
Regardless of age and underlying condition or conditions, seniors should be encouraged to move, get exercise, and enjoy each of their days – regardless of outdoor temperatures. Of course, they should be watched carefully for signs of heat stress.
You should encourage the individual to consume fluids throughout the day and not push themselves too much. If you would like more tips and tricks for senior care, you may contact us here at Beacon Senior Advisors today by calling: 973-713-0096