A range of indoor and outdoor summer activities for the elderly of all mobilities to enjoy in Adelaide this summer season.
When the weather is warm, and the sun is shining, there’s no better place to be than the great outdoors. But for elderly people with limited mobility, extra thought and planning are crucial when enjoying the summer weather safely. We’ve curated a list of summer activities for the elderly to suit a range of weather conditions and mobilities that you can do with your loved ones or your KompleteCare support worker!
Indoor summer activities for the elderly
Catch a movie
Going out to the movies is a great way to escape the heat. Whether you like romantic comedies, Hollywood blockbusters, or independent films, there are plenty of options to choose from. Many cinemas also show classic films, so check your local cinema and see if you can catch an old favourite. They also usually offer senior tickets and snacks at a discounted rate, and some regularly host a ‘Seniors Day’. If you have limited mobility and any concerns about accessibility, explore our Accessible Cinemas Guide.
Explore your local libraries
Local libraries are a great way to escape the heat on a long summer day and are a calming, relaxing space for many people. Libraries offer ample space for curling up with a good book, listening to music, or surfing the web on your tablet. Many libraries also host local groups and book clubs, so consider asking the library staff if there are any you could join. Libraries are also free, so they’re a great option for those wanting to get out of the house without breaking the bank.
Attend an art class
Let your creativity bloom while socialising with other fellow artists in a local art class. Art and art therapy have a range of benefits for the elderly, such as improved cognitive function, improved mood, enhanced motor skills and improved memory. Find a local art studio offering classes or consider KompleteCare’s Day Options Program, which you can read more about below.
Discover Adelaide’s museums and art galleries
Here in Adelaide, we’re lucky to have so many museums and art galleries where there’s always history to learn and something new to see or experience. Discover the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum in the city for a range of interests. If you have a special interest in automobiles, visit the National Railway Museum or the South Australian Museum in Port Adelaide. Feed your inner artist with a journey to ARTHUR Avant Garde, JamFactory, or Better World Arts. To inspire your museum or art gallery adventure, visit Experience Adelaide for a list of local museums and art galleries.
Outdoor summer activities for the elderly
Stroll through some local parks and reserves
A gentle stroll around your local park or reserve is a great way to unwind on a warm day while getting some healthy vitamin D. They are also a great place to spend time with family, friends, or even your KompleteCare support worker and a nice, quiet place to enjoy a book in the shade or indulge in some reflection in nature. Explore some of the local parks and reserves in your area and see what native wildlife you might spot!
Cool down with water aerobics classes
Keep cool while getting your exercise in with water aerobics. Water aerobics is a great way for elderly people to stay active; it’s safe and accessible, especially if you have joint problems or arthritis, as the water eliminates the risk of falls associated with more strenuous workouts. Water aerobics is great for balance and coordination, easier on the joints, builds muscle and strength, and improves flexibility.
Plan a day trip to the beach
Here in Australia, we’re blessed to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so take advantage of them with a trip to the beach this summer. Go for a swim, simply relax on the sand, or indulge in some fish and chips. Adelaide is also home to many accessible beaches, so if you or your loved one are mobility impaired, give one of them a try! Just make sure to bring an umbrella for some shade, and wear plenty of sunscreen and a hat.
Attend KompleteCare’s Day Options Program
This New Year, KompleteCare is kicking off its morning Day Options Program for our Home Care Package (HCP) clients. There are many benefits associated with KompleteCare’s Day Options program, such as increased social and community participation, increased confidence and self-esteem, and enhanced mental well-being. The 2024 Term 1 Program starts on the 23rd of January, with a range of summer activities for the elderly, such as morning teas, crafts, cooking, outdoor activities and more!
Keep your loved one safe while choosing your favourite summer activities for the elderly
Heat affects people of different ages in different ways, and older bodies don’t cope with sudden temperature differences like younger bodies do. This is increasingly the case in the elderly with existing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease. Some medications can also affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, making them more susceptible to heat stroke. This is why it’s so important to make sure that the elderly are protected against heat stroke during the summer.
Whatever summer activities for the elderly that you and your loved one choose to do this summer, you can keep them safe in the heat with these tips:
- Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day and on extreme high-temperature days.
- Make sure to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher.
- Wear breathable clothing, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Bring a water bottle with you, and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- On hotter days, try to stay inside and in air-conditioning as much as possible.
