The weather is warming up, birds are singing, and flowers are blooming. Spring is here, and summer isn’t far behind. As inviting as the outdoors may appear, for those with limited mobility such as older adults, getting outside can be challenging.
If you no longer drive, a simple trip to the park might require arranging transportation. Cracked or uneven sidewalks present real fall risks. And the aches and pains that come with age can make getting out of bed unappealing, let alone getting out the door.
As someone who works with seniors every day – and as someone navigating my own health issues – I know how frustrating it can be to face obstacles that stand in the way of activities we once loved. I also know how important it is to embrace what’s possible now and find joy in each season as it comes.
Movement matters
Warmer weather offers a natural invitation to spend more time outdoors, which benefits health on many levels. Studies show that time outside can reduce stress, improve mood, increase physical health, strengthen the immune system, and lead to better sleep.
Still, it’s tough when your favorite activities are no longer accessible. Maybe crouching in the garden isn’t realistic anymore, or arthritis makes it painful to grip your bike’s handlebars. Instead of these activities, you can choose one of the many gentle, accessible ways to enjoy nature, like birdwatching, visiting a flower garden, or a leisurely walk around the block. Even five minutes outside can bring a fresh perspective and a mood boost.
Instead of comparing what you can do now to what you used to enjoy, I encourage other seniors like myself to take each day as it comes and enjoy what is possible right now. You may not be running 5Ks anymore, but a short neighborhood walk can brighten your mood, stimulate your mind, and make you feel better overall.
Many activities can also be adapted. If kneeling in a garden bed no longer works for your knees, consider a raised planter box on your deck or balcony. We also have planters at Ukiah Senior Center in need of a green thumb to tend to them! If traditional biking isn’t comfortable, a recumbent bike might be a more accessible option. Water aerobics can be a good alternative for activities that feel hard on your joints or present falling risks. I know it can feel intimidating to try something unfamiliar, but new hobbies can bring a lot of enjoyment.
Getting outdoors safely
As you make plans for outdoor adventures large and small, keep the following safety tips in mind:
Invite a friend or neighbor to join you. Having a companion makes time outside safer and more fun. If you are looking for a group to join, Ukiah Senior Center’s walking group meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at Todd Grove Park. Bring your phone and let someone know where you are going. Use walking aids when needed. Ukiah Senior Center has walkers and canes available to borrow or purchase, and offers transportation for those who don’t drive. Put on sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring water. The heat can sneak up quickly. It’s better to bring a water bottle or hat and not need it than to experience dehydration or a sunburn. As you make plans to get outside, stay in communication with your healthcare provider. Share any concerns you have, whether it’s an ache, a suspicious mole, or seasonal allergies. You are not putting anyone out by asking questions. Your medical provider wants to help you feel your best.Community, community, community
I mention this in almost every column because it’s that important: connecting with others is the key to a full, contented life at any age. And one of the best ways to enjoy outdoor time safely is to spend it with others.
If you would like to connect with others over a shared activity, we at the Ukiah Senior Center would love to help. We host many group activities that meet regularly for both indoor and outdoor fun, and we welcome suggestions! If there is an activity you think others would enjoy, please contact our office. We will talk through the idea with you and find ways to invite others to join in.
With age comes wisdom, joy, and also limitations. In the face of the changes aging brings, I encourage you to choose one small thing to help you get outside and get moving, whether it’s walking with a friend, trimming a rose bush, or joining a book group that meets in a local park. We may not be able to do everything we once did, but we can find joy, purpose, and community as we get outside safely, together.
Liz Dorsey is the executive director of Ukiah Senior Center.
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