Summer is the perfect time to freshen up the events at your senior living community. There is greater opportunity for unique activities because of the warmer weather and fun summer themed events. Summer activities abound and give you or your loved ones engaging ways to spend these warm and sunny months.

Whether you are refreshing your senior community calendar or browsing fun summer activities for your family member, make sure that you are considering their interests and hobbies. The following list is a great starting point for further brainstorming and discussion about fun and worthwhile ways to spend this season:

Outdoor Activities

The summer sun can bring many benefits to seniors. Nature encourages happiness and supports mental health. According to the University of California Davis, nature can help decrease anxiety levels and can help lessen stress and feelings of anger. Nature generates positive emotions like calmness, joy, and creativity. Here are some activities that will encourage your residents to spend a little time outdoors this summer:

Backyard Games: Classic games like corn hole, horseshoes, or croquet are fun low intensity summer activities for seniors.

Grill Out: When the weather is nice, there is no better way to spend an evening than an outdoor grill out. This activity gives residents the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious food and the good company of fellow residents and staff.

Community Walks or Exercises: A cool summer morning calls for a casual walk across the community grounds or even an outdoor exercise class. This provides residents with the chance to get physically active while enjoying nature.

Indoor Summer Activities

Even though there is nothing like the summer sun, sometimes it can be too much. On days when residents need a break from the heat and some time in an air-conditioned space, consider these indoor activities that still promote summer fun:

Bring In Speakers: Take a break from the heat by inviting in an expert speaker to tell their story or share educational information. Residents love hearing interesting stories or learning something new on a topic they care about.

Cooking Together: Cooking a meal or special treat as a community is always a popular choice among our residents. Whether it’s a full meal or something simple like homemade butter, cooking or baking can bring residents together while encouraging cognitive stimulation.

Craft Fair: A craft or art fair is an interactive way for residents to tap into their creative talents. This fair can give residents and families the opportunity to appreciate the artists in the community.

Book Clubs and Discussions: Book clubs and discussions are an engaging summer activity that can be held both indoors and outdoors. Whether rain or shine, sitting down to talk about a common interest is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.

Special Occasions

Summer holds many opportunities for themed events and activities for residents to participate in. While everyday activities are fun ways to enjoy summer, it is exciting to add a unique spin on your events by incorporating special themes.

4^th of July: Independence Day is a popular day of festivities in the United States. Whether it’s enjoying your town’s fireworks show (with the proper hearing protection of course) or playing patriotic trivia, Independance Day provides many opportunities to enjoy summer activities with your community.

Christmas in July: Another popular celebration among residents in senior living communities is Christmas in July. Rather than waiting a whole year to bring back Christmas spirit, why not enjoy it in the summer? Decorate a Christmas with beach-themed accessories or throw a festive party to take your mind off of the heat and celebrate with your residents.

Recreation and Parks Month: July is also a month to celebrate our parks—from the local to national levels. Check out what the local parks in your area are doing to celebrate and take your residents for a day at the park.

National Wellness Month: Focus on wellness during National Wellness Month in August by taking special care to encourage healthy practices in your community. Whether you implement a community-wide exercise program, or educate your residents on important nutrition facts, celebrate National Wellness Month by caring for each other.

Find More Summer Activities

This is only a taste of the fun that Cornerstone residents have during the summer. To discover more activities for seniors during all seasons, check out this guide and our ultimate list.