Last year, we wrote about how to protect seniors from the summer heat. There are a lot of activities that can help seniors not only stay cool, but also stay active this summer.
Volunteering
Volunteering is one of the best ways to give back to your community. You can sign up to usher at a local theater (plus you get to see shows for free!). Places such as libraries, hospitals and animal shelters are always looking for more volunteers. Cooperative Hospice (hyperlink to our hospice page on the website) has administrative volunteer opportunities for a little as a few hours per week; your schedule can also be flexible to accommodate other commitments.
Community Events
When living in a city like St. Louis, there are plenty of community activities in which to participate during the summer. There are a variety of community calendars that you can explore to find an activity that interests you! Local newspapers and magazines take these event submissions and constantly update them.
St. Louis is lucky enough to have one of the best outdoor theaters in the country, The Muny. There are multiple shows throughout the warm summer months and you can show up early to wait in line for free seats! You can check out their schedule here.
The Soulard Farmers Market is every Wednesday through Saturday. The hours are: Wednesday and Thursday 8am-5pm, Friday 7am-5pm and Saturday 7am-5:30pm. It is one of the oldest open air fresh produce markets in the United States. They have fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheese, baked goods, flowers, pets and various other goods.
And we can’t forget about baseball! You can get tickets to St. Louis Cardinals game for as low as $6 each, depending on the game. Those on weekdays, or any afternoon games will usually have cheaper tickets. You can ask for seats in the shade to help keep the heat away.
Ideas if You Have Mobility Needs
If you or your loved one have limited mobility, you can enjoy summer activities with a little extra planning. Dropping by your destination before the day of your event is a helpful way to know how to plan in advance for a successful outing.
Fishing is a classic activity for seniors for a reason. You don’t have to move that much while casting a line. You can take friends and family for an afternoon of catch-and-release of fishing at your local accessible pond, lake or river.
Book clubs are another fun activity for anyone with mobility issues. You can check at local churches, bookstores or with the local library for any book clubs to join. If there isn’t one that interests you, then start your own! You can meet monthly or bi-monthly at a new person’s home each month. You can also check out TOS50 for their book club suggestions.
Go on a picnic with your grandkids to a local accessible park. Choose a spot where there are tables where you can sit and watch the grandkids run around while you enjoy that fresh air.
Summer weather is hot, but there is still plenty to do to help you stay active and cool. Get as much fresh air as you can during these warmer months! For even more ideas for activities this summer check out this list.