Memorial Day Activities for Seniors

Memorial Day is a wonderful holiday that honors and celebrates those who served our country, but it's also the unofficial start to summer. Who doesn’t love an excuse to make memories with family and friends while enjoying the warmer weather?

Spending this day with your senior loved one may take some planning, particularly if there are mobility issues, but we guarantee that our Memorial Day activities for seniors will bring a smile to your loved one’s face. It’s important to remember that seniors need a change of scenery and thrive best when they’re staying active and having fun.

Celebrating Outdoors

Grab your outdoor blankets and chairs and head outside to soak up the sun and breathe fresh air. Studies prove that spending time outdoors improves your outlook, which can be particularly helpful for your senior loved one who may have spent most of the winter indoors.

If you do take your senior loved one outdoors and the sun is shining bright, make sure to bring along sunglasses, a hat, or perhaps an umbrella. Don’t forget the sunscreen, preferably SPF 30 or higher. 

Lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing is best for comfort and air circulation. Make sure your senior loved one is properly hydrated; bottled water is a must! Encourage them to drink water before going out and every 15 to 20 minutes. If you can, make certain beforehand that bathroom facilities are available.

If a loved one has a chronic medical condition, talk with their nurse or doctor about any additional precautions to prevent heat related illness and overexposure to the sun. Keep in mind, the sun can react with some medications which could put them at risk.

Five Outdoor Activities to Explore:

1. Head to your favorite park and enjoy a picnic. Look for a park that has a table and bench, making it easier to sit and enjoy some delicious food.
   
   
2. Watch a parade. It’s Memorial Day and parades are everywhere! Bring comfortable chairs, enjoy the bands, and admire the floats. Other traditions include raising the American flag to half-staff from dawn until noon and observing the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.
   
   
3. Take a boat ride. A pontoon boat with a ramp makes it easy for seniors in wheelchairs to get onboard. Don’t forget the sunglasses and sunscreen, and bring lots of fun snacks and cool beverages.
   
   
4. Work in the garden. Working with plants helps relieve stress, promotes relaxation, and may lessen joint pain.
   
   
5. Go bird watching or visit a local zoo. Everyone loves to see animals and listen to their unique sounds. Make it a game to try and identify the birds you see and hear!
   
   

Celebrating Indoors

Memorial Day doesn’t always guarantee great weather, so bring the party indoors if need be! There are plenty of activities to consider, below are some ideas to help you get started.

Five Indoor Activities to Consider:

1. Have an indoor picnic. Serve food that is red, white and blue, decorate the table with small American flags, and have patriotic music playing in the background. Don’t forget to watch the Indy 500, a true Memorial Day event.
   
   
2. Enjoy an ice cream social and get all the fixings for ice cream sundaes: ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, nuts, and cherries. It’s a fun, tasty activity for the whole family.
   
   
3. Start a craft project. DIY projects are healthy for body, mind, and spirit.
    
4. Games are always fun and a good way to keep your loved one’s mind active and focused. Board games, dominos, trivia, and chess are just a few.
    
5. Bake some bread or perhaps a cherry pie. Working with dough is soothing to the soul. Social activities for seniors are important for maintaining their physical and mental health. 
   
   Indoors or outdoors, let the Memorial Day festivities and fun summer memories begin!

Enlivant communities offer a number of activities for your loved one to enjoy, making every day a memorable one.