Getting outside, breathing fresh air, and sharing a moment in the sun—these small pleasures have a big impact on the quality of life for seniors. As a senior living manager, incorporating outdoor activities into your activity calendar is a wonderful way to promote well-being, mobility, and social interaction. Here are some easy-to-implement outdoor activities ideas.
Create a Community Garden : A Calming and Empowering Activity
Gardening is both soothing and fulfilling for seniors. By setting up raised garden beds that are easily accessible, you provide residents with a space to grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables. This activity stimulates the senses, encourages patience, and fosters a sense of pride. It also promotes fine motor skills and turns the garden into a place for connection and exchange. You can even go a step further by using the harvest in residents’ meals or organizing cooking workshops.
Gentle Exercises: Outdoor Yoga and Guided Meditation
Gentle exercises like yoga are ideal for the outdoors. They help improve balance, enhance breathing, and bring a sense of calm. Incorporating outdoor guided meditation or mindful breathing sessions can also offer a peaceful moment in residents’ daily routines. Even short sessions of 15 to 20 minutes can positively impact mood and stress levels.
An Outdoor Picnic
Organizing a picnic is a simple yet effective way to break the daily routine and bring joy to the activity calendar. Whether it's held on the terrace, in the yard, or under the trees, a picnic creates a relaxed atmosphere that encourages conversation and the pleasure of being together. All it takes is a few colorful tablecloths, a tasty meal, and maybe a bit of background music to turn the moment into a cherished memory. By focusing on simplicity and ambiance, you provide residents with a warm and heartening experience.
Creative Nature-Inspired Workshops
The outdoors can become an open-air creative studio. Residents can work on group projects using natural materials like leaves, flowers, sand, or pebbles. Others may prefer to paint a landscape or craft mobiles to hang in the garden. The key is to inspire creativity using the surrounding environment as a muse.
Game of skill: Moving While Having Fun
Games like pétanque (a form of lawn bowling) are always a hit. Easy to set up, they promote coordination and create a friendly atmosphere. By adjusting the rules to suit residents’ pace, even those with physical limitations can join in. You could also organize mini-Olympics with symbolic medals to boost self-esteem and group spirit.
Evenings Under the Stars
When the weather is nice, hosting an outdoor movie night or a courtyard concert is a unique way to extend the summer days. A film screening, live musicians, or even outdoor karaoke can be delightful experiences for residents.
Creating the Right Environment
To ensure these activities are a success, it's important to have a well-designed outdoor space. Clear, non-slip pathways, stable and comfortable furniture, shaded areas, rain shelters, and varied seating options are essential. Involving residents in designing or improving these areas is also a great way to strengthen their sense of belonging.
Simple Moments That Make a Big Difference
Incorporating outdoor activities into your residents' daily lives gives them the chance to fully enjoy nice weather and refresh their minds. Whether it’s about moving, socializing, or simply taking a break outside, these moments enhance well-being and contribute to a warm, welcoming atmosphere in your senior living.
And if you’re looking for a senior living where this kind of initiative is part of everyday life, know that Bonjour Résidences is here to help. Our senior housing specialists are available to guide you—free of charge—in your search for a senior living that truly meets your needs. Contact us at 1 844 918-1020 or by filling out an online request.