Once the weather warms up, you should take advantage of nicer days and spend as much time as possible outside. Here are a baker’s dozen of our favorite outdoor activities for seniors to do this summer:
1. Golf
We couldn’t make a list of summer activities for seniors without including the most classic sport of all: golf. Whether you are a casual player or a serious veteran, the summer is the perfect time to put on some men’s elastic waist pants and hit the golf course. Play with your friends or against yourself by trying to beat your record from last year.
2. Swimming
Take a break from both the heat and gravity — and get in your exercise for the day — by going for a swim. Obviously, a pool with lanes is a convenient alternative, but in the summer, lakes and even oceans are also great options if you live near water. Just be sure to watch out for other people and boats as well as rip currents (if you are swimming in the ocean).
3. Sailing
If you’d rather be on the water than in the water, sailing crafts of all kinds and sizes is a great summer activity. Whether you love piloting a proper sailboat or paddling a one-person kayak, getting out on the water will help you escape the heat of the land and cool off on the hottest summer days.
4. Scenic Drives
Enjoy the beauty of the summer scenery without ever leaving the comfort of your air-conditioned car with a scenic drive. This is a great excuse to get away from your city or town and explore some of the surrounding countryside. If you live in a really hot area, do your driving in the early morning or late evening so that you don’t burn in the car in the middle of the day.
5. Fishing
Alongside golf, no list of summer activities for seniors would be complete without fishing. Not everyone loves the quieter, more contemplative nature of fishing, but those who do are very passionate about it. Plus, fishing is the perfect excuse to sit on a shady bank or stand in a cold river to cool down on a hot summer day.
6. Hiking
If you are up to a more energetic physical activity, hiking is an excellent thing to do in the summer — particularly if you live in very cold areas that are covered by snow the rest of the year. The great thing about hiking is that you can choose from easy trails that are short and flat or hard trails that are steep and long to suit your fitness levels. So put on some shoes for swollen feet and hit the trail.
7. Picnicking
If you prefer not to work up a sweat while you are outdoors, then consider having a picnic during the cooler hours of the morning or evening. Sunset picnics are an especially good idea since the temperatures drop then. Find a local park, look up when the sunset time is and put together a quick picnic spread to enjoy the night.
8. Gardening
Gardening is another activity that is best done during the early morning or late evening hours since the cooler weather is better for both you and the plants. Keep in mind that gardening can be hard on your joints. So if you’re already struggling with arthritis, consider investing in a supportive stool or another tool to make it easier on your body.
9. Bird Watching
If you’re an avid bird watcher, then summer is a great time to do so since the birds are usually out in full force during the morning and evening. Of course, you can always take a special trip to look for rare birds, but this is also a great hobby to practice in your backyard as well. Bird watching in your local area will help you appreciate the local wildlife and give you a deeper understanding of your town.
10. Nature Photography
Photography can be practiced indoors year round, but summer is the perfect time to practice nature photography. Given the capabilities of most smartphone cameras today, you don’t even need a fancy DSLR to get started (although, of course, that won’t hurt, if you can afford it). With just a few simple editing tricks, you can start taking nature photos that are worthy of hanging on your wall.
11. Concerts and Festivals
Many towns put on outdoor concerts and festivals during the summer months, many of which are free to the public. A lot of these events are intended to be family-friendly and will offer a laid-back atmosphere. Check your local community or tourist website to see what programming your metro area offers during the summer months and then get dressed up in adaptive clothing for women and make the most of your night out on the town.
12. Markets and Craft Shows
Speaking of outdoor events, your city or town also likely hosts farmer or artisan markets as well as craft shows. While these sometimes take place during the winter, they are a much bigger deal in the summer as more produce comes in season and vendors are able to set up booths outside. Take a Saturday to wander the stalls and buy whatever captures your eye.
13. Drive-in Theater
If you’re nostalgic for your youth, you can relive days past at a drive-in theater. Drive-in theaters usually offer a mix of new releases and older throwbacks, depending on the week, and sometimes they group their films by theme. Check your local theater listing to see which movies catch your eye and be sure to get there early so that you can get a good spot.
This list just scratches the surface of summer activities for seniors. There are so many other options, including arboretums, zoos, flower arranging, fruit picking and more. If we missed one of your favorite summer activities for seniors, drop it in the comments to share with us!