With warmer weather upon us, it’s about that time for all of us to venture outdoors once again and enjoy spring! Spring is a great time for seniors especially to participate in hobbies or activities. Hobbies aren’t just fun – they are important activities for senior citizens. Fun activities are great for our physical and emotional health at any age, but if your loved one has spent a lot of time in front of TV this winter, now’s the time to take up a hobby!

Gardening is a hobby many senior citizens enjoy, and it can be simple and easy! Give your loved one some flower seeds, potting soil and a pretty pot for Easter or Mother’s Day. All they have to do is plant the seeds, water it and give it sun. The growth and beauty of your mom or dad’s new plant can be a fun topic of conversation.

Spring cleaning is also a great spring activity for older loved ones. Help them put away winter clothes and get out spring and summer ones, or get some attractive or fun containers so they can sort out their junk drawers.

With the warm weather, spring hobbies for seniors can be as simple as watching grandchildren or pets play outside or hanging laundry on an outdoor clothesline. The key is to spend time together and enjoy the season!

It was a busy morning, about 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman in his 80′s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone  would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are?’ He smiled as he patted my hand and said, ‘She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.’

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, ‘That is the kind of love I want in my life.’

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.  The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

‘Life isn’t about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.’

We are all getting older, tomorrow may be our turn.

When caring for an aging loved one, their physical safety and health are usually the main priorities. But for seniors, socializing is just as important as diet and exercise when it comes to living a long and happy life. Research shows that seniors that are highly active socially are twice as likely to avoid disabilities. Harvard University found that socializing for seniors is as beneficial as exercise. And a social life does more than improve seniors’ health and extend their lives – socializing reduces stress and increases self-esteem for everyone, especially seniors.

There are many ways for seniors to improve their social lives and quality of life. Going to church services and becoming involved in church activities, joining clubs or the local senior center, and volunteering or taking up a low-pressure part-time job are just a few. Activities that are challenging physically or mentally such as dancing or music classes are especially beneficial – seniors can make new friends and strengthen their bodies and minds at the same time.

However, these activities take extra effort for elderly people, as many of their lifelong friends may have passed away or moved, and it requires going outside of their comfort zone. Travelling to social events can also be challenging for seniors with disabilities or who no longer drive. Even for older adults in a good health, a professional caregiver can encourage your loved one to attend activities and help with transportation, all while providing valuable companionship.