Summer is all about sunshine, longer days, and finding joy in the little things. For seniors, it’s a chance to slow down, explore new interests, or simply relax in comfort. Whether you’re enjoying your independence or thriving in an assisted living community, there are plenty of ways to make this season meaningful and fun.
Here are some refreshing summer activities tailored for older adults, perfect for residence life.
Embracing Your Inner Picasso: Art Activities for Seniors
Art is a powerful tool for relaxation, joy, and self-expression at any age. During the summer, nature itself can be a source of inspiration, from blooming flowers to vibrant sunsets.
🎨 Watercolor painting outdoors: Set up a small easel or sketchbook in a shaded area. Paint flowers, trees, or abstract designs. No pressure, just play with color!
🌼 Pressed flower crafting: Use real flowers gathered from a walk or garden to create bookmarks, cards, or framed art.
🖼️ Summer scrapbooking: Combine old photos, postcards, and magazine cutouts to craft a memory book of past summers or dream vacations. Imagine a lovely scrapbook made of your family or friends’ photos!
🖌️ Nature-themed coloring pages: Great for those who enjoy creative focus without the pressure of drawing from scratch. Don’t underestimate the joy you can have by just coloring!
🧑🎨 Clay or air-dry sculptures: Shape small sculptures inspired by seashells, garden textures, or summer fruits. You could even create your own gifts for Christmas this year!
Creating art isn’t just fun, it also supports fine motor skills, cognitive stimulation, and emotional well-being.
If you live in an assisted living facility, ask what activities they’re planning for summer. The Residence at Colvin Run in Virginia, for example, has an art studio and a theater with an audio system, but also plenty of outdoor spaces where you can enjoy nature while painting something!
Summer fun in Assisted Living Communities
Living in an assisted living community doesn’t mean missing out on the joys of the season. Many facilities plan engaging summer programs designed to foster connection, creativity, and movement.
If you’d like to get involved with the planning and are searching for ideas for more activities for seniors in assisted living, here are some examples you could suggest at your community:
- Ice cream parties: Simple, fun gatherings with a sweet treat and friendly conversation.
- Patio gardening clubs: Even if space is limited, container gardens or vertical planters can bring greenery and pride to the residents!
- Group games outdoors: Think bean bag toss, ring toss, or bocce ball in shaded courtyards. It’s also a fun way to stay active!
- Themed days or events: Picture a “Hawaiian Day” with tropical music and mocktails, or maybe a “beach day”. All the fun without the fuss of travel!
- Cool indoor retreats: For very hot days, bring the summer vibe inside with cooling fans, beach-themed decor, and classic summer movies.
Staff can also help tailor activities to residents’ interests and mobility levels, ensuring everyone can participate in a way that feels comfortable.
At The Residence at Colvin Run, we offer a calendar filled with all sorts of recreational, social, and educational activities for the residents. You’ll never be bored!
More ways to enjoy the season
Whether at home or in a community setting, summer is what you make of it, and there’s always something different to do.
If you love the outdoors, consider taking leisurely walks during the cooler parts of the day, like early mornings or evenings. The fresh air and gentle movement can be invigorating without being overwhelming.
For those who enjoy exploring from the comfort of home, virtual tours of museums, national parks, or even faraway cities can be a fascinating way to spend an afternoon. Many world-class institutions offer free online exhibits, making it easy to travel without leaving your chair.
Food lovers can embrace the season by hosting a casual summer tasting. Fresh berries, chilled melon, or garden-grown tomatoes make for simple yet delightful treats. If you live in an assisted living community, this could even turn into a fun group activity. Share your favorite recipes or seasonal flavors!
The key is to choose what feels right for you. Summer isn’t about doing everything, it’s about savoring what brings you happiness.