Healthy Spring 2022 Activities for Seniors at V!VA Mississauga
Published on March 18, 2022
It’s hard to believe that just one year ago we were still living under lockdown and had to rely primarily on virtual communications. What a difference a year makes! Slowly, but surely, Ontario is reopening for business. Now that provincial lockdowns have been lifted and more people are vaccinated, it’s time to finally focus on welcoming spring! After spending large amounts of time indoors due to the pandemic and the long cold winter, it’s not surprising that people are eager to get outdoors and have fun. If you’re looking for things to do, here are some great spring activities for seniors.
Safe and Fun Activities Seniors Can Do Outdoors
The pandemic has been especially tough for people living in retirement homes in Mississauga and across the province. At V!VA Mississauga, we always knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours mean that it’s time to start resuming safe and fun outdoor activities that seniors and people of all ages can enjoy based on their physical capabilities. Our goal is to make retirement living in Mississauga as fun and enjoyable for all of our Community Members by encouraging them to live life to the fullest.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
What could be more soothing and relaxing than taking a nice long walk in a local park surrounded by trees and birds chirping happily in the sunshine? Mississauga is full of beautiful outdoor pathways and parks that are perfect for people of all ages. Studies have shown that walking outdoors, especially in nature, for at least an hour a day and getting plenty of sunshine can help boost cognitive functions and positive feelings in seniors.
Something as simple as walking and just enjoying the sights and sounds of nature has also been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, disorientation, and other negative emotions. It can also reduce the risk of physical ailments and illnesses such as heart attack or stroke. Spending moderate amounts of time outdoors is especially beneficial for seniors with vitamin D deficiencies. Just make sure to wear lots of sun protection such as sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, as well as light, airy, and comfortable clothing.
Move Your Exercise Outdoors
Exercise in all forms does a lot of good for the mind, body, and soul. But there’s something about outdoor exercise that just makes it all the more enjoyable and beneficial than doing it indoors. Breathing in the fresh air and basking in the sunlight—safely, of course—can help improve your mood and your stamina.
There are plenty of safe and fun outdoor exercises that are perfect for seniors of all mobility levels. Outdoor tai chi and yoga classes help increase flexibility, agility, and strength to make movement easier and more enjoyable. Combining relaxing slow movement and breathing exercises with light to moderate cardio such as walking at least two to three times a week can reduce your risk of developing heart problems, help regulate diabetes, and even improve cognitive functions in seniors.
Yoga and tai chi also improve balance, which helps to reduce the risk of suffering an injury due to falling. Outdoor group exercises and classes also provide seniors with opportunities to socialize with their peers on a regular basis and make new friends who share similar interests and health-oriented goals.
Do Some Gardening
Gardening is an excellent form of mental and physical exercise to help seniors stay fit and healthy this spring. Not only does gardening help reduce signs of depression and anxiety, but it also helps improve mobility and gives seniors a wonderful sense of purpose.
Indoor gardening is also a great year-round activity that can have the same positive results during the winter months when it’s harder for seniors to get outside. For seniors with limited mobility, potted plants or a raised garden bed that doesn’t require as much bending, kneeling, or squatting is a feasible modification.
Visit Local Farmers Markets
During the pandemic, a lot of small businesses suffered major revenue losses. Supporting local businesses and farmers’ market vendors can help them recover some of those losses and expand throughout their local communities.
Spending the day wandering around a local farmers’ market and visiting the different vendors means you also get to enjoy fresh and seasonal produce, baked goods, and an assortment of homemade delicacies. Take pride in the fact that you’re helping local businesses thrive while you enjoy everything they have to offer. Farmers markets also typically have live entertainment, face painting booths for kids (and adults who are kids at heart), crafts tables, and many more fun activities!
Do Some Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is another great way to kick off the season. This is usually the time of year when our Community Members like to give back by donating their gently used items that they don’t use anymore to local charities and initiatives. Everything from clothing to jewellery, pots and pans, and other personal effects can be given a second life and go to a good home. As an added benefit, de-cluttering your space (both indoors and outdoors) and instilling an organizational system maximizes space efficiency and functionality, which is good for the mental and physical health of seniors.
Visit V!VA Retirement Communities in Mississauga
At V!VA Retirement Communities, we truly relish the great outdoors! Our Community Members are empowered to lead active lifestyles that help them stay in tip-top shape mentally and physically. We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor personalized fitness and exercise programs for seniors of all mobility levels along with nutritious and delicious meal options that make healthy eating fun. Contact us today to learn more.
