Ah, yes – Summer has finally arrived! The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and the ‘itch’ to get outside has taken over so many of us. This time of year is one where many people, regardless of age, think of trying new things and doing something out of the ordinary themselves.
A quick online search of “free things to do in (insert your town name here)” will quickly show a variety of kids’ camps and classes for the younger, school-age set to enjoy. But what about 55+ adults who want to get out and try something new? With a little thought and a bit of digging, it is easy to come up with a list of things you’ll want to tackle this year. What follows are some suggestions of some general things to do and some tools that will help you stay current on events that are happening in your local area.
1) Take a walk
Sure, walking is great exercise but it’s also a great way to explore your area! If you are a regular walker, take a trip to a park or trail you don’t normally visit and take in the new scenery. Regardless of where you walk, 55+ adults should plan for the hot weather that you’ll likely experience by reading the following tips for walking in the heat.
2) Lose yourself in a good read
Who says you must be on the move to have a good time? Summer is a great time to relax outside on your favorite chair (or hammock), kick your feet up, and read a good book. You can purchase a new one or re-read an old favorite. If you have an e-reader like a nook or kindle, there are often books you can download for free, too! Amazon, for example has an easy-to-navigate site that lists all the free reads available.
3) Forego a restaurant and picnic in the park instead
There’s just something about a picnic that screams “Summer!” Grab a partner, pack a meal, bring a good bottle of wine, and enjoy some quality time outside. Want to get creative and make it an event? Check out this list of easy picnic recipes!
4) Find a DIY project to take on
If you’ve watched HGTV for any amount of time, you probably agree that the DIY (Do It Yourself) trend is one that isn’t going anywhere soon. There are tons of websites like Craigslist, Let Go or a ‘community yard sale’ page on Facebook where people post items for sale. Many times, you’ll see items that are being given away for free! Score an item with a lot of potential for little to no cost and use leftover paint (let’s face it, we all have them!), stain, and/or elbow grease to make something your own. The cost is low, but the pride in your handiwork will be high!
5) Volunteer your time
Volunteering is a great way to use up some free time and an activity that has great emotional rewards for yourself and the people you’re helping! If you’re not sure where to start, go to volunteermatch.org. You can search by your location and filter by areas of interest that are important to you.
6) See the lights at night
Fireworks are very popular this time of year, not just during the 4th of July… A quick google search of “fireworks near me” will show you the days and times of fireworks shows near you. No matter your age, whether you’re a 5-year-old kid or a 55+ adult, it’s fun for everyone!
7) Find a community event near you
The Internet is a great place to find all kinds of events that are happening in your local community. Events that were once only listed in the paper are now appearing on a variety event-focused websites like Eventful.com post a variety of free or paid events that are occurring near you and around the country.
With a little thought and use of technology, there is no reason to be bored this time of year! So, get out there and volunteer your time, take your grandkids to a new park, or discover a new community event… The possibilities are endless regardless of your age! If you’re finding that you would like to be more involved throughout the day and are searching for more opportunities to be social and active, think about taking the step to moving to a community that focuses on lifestyles for 55+ adults. These communities, that range from active adult communities to assisted living communities offer a variety of opportunities for like-minded people to engage and stay active. If you’re interested in learning more about a 55+ lifestyle and want to learn which type of living option is right for you, send us an email at [email protected].
