Spending time outdoors is good for all ages, but it’s especially beneficial for older adults. It increases your vitamin D levels, which helps fight health conditions such as osteoporosis, cancer, heart attacks and even depression. Get outside and have some fun this summer. We have a few ideas if you’re looking for things to do.
Walk
Just getting outside and moving around is a great way to keep the body and mind in shape. Going for even a short walk has so many benefits. So, slip on a pair of comfortable shoes and head out the door. You don’t need a place to go! Try starting walking, maybe a stroll around the block, to the market or to your local park.
Garden
If you don’t have a garden, or don’t have room to create a new one, many neighbourhoods have community gardens. Getting a plot to grow flowers and veggies could make for a nice, ongoing outdoor pastime.
Picnic
Bring snacks, drinks, a blanket, and maybe some music to the local park. Enjoy a sandwich and even just lie back and watch the clouds.
Beach
A stroll along the boardwalk is a wonderful way to enjoy a lovely sunny day. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring along some water.
Market
Summer is the season for farmer’s markets, craft fairs, flea markets and more. Walk around the booths and browse for some great deals.
Click here for a list of all Farmer’s Markets in Ontario http://www.farmersmarketsontario.com
Swimming
It’s a great time to splash around! Because of the buoyancy, swimming is much easier on the joints than other forms of exercise. Swimming will cool you down on those hot days and can be very relaxing as well.
Movie
If you have a local park that hosts outdoor movies in the summer, take advantage! Don’t forget to bring water and blankets to stay warm and hydrated.
Treats
Everyone has a favourite snack that picks their spirits right up. Instead of limiting this indulgence to special occasions, why not make an outing out of it just because? This could consist of getting an ice cream cone from the local Dairy Queen, a coffee and pastry from a favourite breakfast spot, or a lunch special from the diner around the corner. If the weather is nice, enjoy your goodies at a patio table or take them to go and enjoy it in a nearby park.
Tai-chi
Join a Tai-chi group for a low-impact, outdoor activity. Tai chi can help prevent falls and is a great way to improve and maintain mental agility.
Sports
Attending a grandchild's soccer game or a professional baseball game can be some action-packed fun for your loved ones.
Tour
Tour your own city! Take an open-air bus tour to see the local sights. This is not only super fun but it also gets you outside and you don't necessarily have to be walking very much at all. Be sure to ask about discounts for seniors.
Rainy Day? No Problem!
Book Club
Rainy days and books go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, why not get a few friends together start a book club as one of your indoor summer activities? Select which books will be read, then set up a weekly or biweekly club meet ups. This could turn into a great winter activity too!
Hobbies
What are your interests? For some great information and ideas check out this list of not-for-profit, amateur, hobby and interest groups.
from Senior Toronto https://seniortoronto.ca/taxonomy/term/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27/28/29/30/31/32/33
Galleries and museums
Here are just a few galleries and museums you can check out this summer.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Senior discount (65+) Free admission Wednesday evenings 6:00 - 9:00
Bata Shoe Museum
Senior discount (65+) Pay what you can Thursday evenings, 5:00 - 8:00
Design Exchange
Free Admission
Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art
Senior discount (65+). Half price Friday evenings, 4:00 - 9:00.
http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/
Historic Toronto sites
All offer senior discounts (65+). Various locations.
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/
Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto (MOCA)
Admission: $5 for seniors (65+). Floor 1 is always free to the public.
Royal Ontario Museum
Senior discount (65+). Further discounted admission Friday evenings, 5:30 – 8:30, July to September.
Textile Museum of Canada
Senior discount (65+). Pay what you can Wednesday evenings, 5:00 - 8:00.
There are so many great free events to check out during the summer. Attending an indoor function is so much fun and can have some great health benefits. So, make getting outside one of your goals for the summer. Of course, you’ll want to keep summer safety in mind. Check out our blog for summer safety tips https://www.canes.on.ca/blog/summer-safety-tips-seniors.
Have a wonderful summer!
CANES Cares
