What Are Fun Outdoor Activities That Feel Easy to Start for Older Adults?
The Arbor View senior community in Burlington, WI, makes it easy for residents to enjoy fun outdoor activities thanks to its social and recreational program. Low-effort outdoor fun for retirees includes enjoying the city's walking paths, visiting farmer markets and annual festivals, fishing, lawn games, picnics, and weekly off-site excursions to local restaurants and zoos.
Participating in more outdoor activities allows seniors to enjoy better mental health, as being in nature greatly reduces the onset of anxiety and depression. Low-impact activities older residents can do in parks, near lakes, and on walking paths can strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular health.
From fishing to lawn games to Yoga, getting older in Wisconsin can mean never-ending outdoor fun.
What Are Some Wisconsin Spring Outdoor Ideas for Older Residents?
Senior-friendly park activities can start with group Tai Chi and Yoga. After all, the fresh air will encourage deeper breathing, and the calming effects of nature further add to the already stress-reducing effects of these practices.
It's easy to get those extra steps on those additional paved paths, and walking can be a good way to work up to hiking.
Wisconsin has over 243 bird species nesting there, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Therefore, seniors who enjoy wildlife can start a new hobby, like birdwatching, and combine it with more creative hobbies, such as photography, drawing, and painting, to capture what they see.
Of course, nature photography and landscape painting can capture images of flowers, native plants, landscapes, or even portraits of other senior friends exploring nature with you.
Hang that "Gone Fishing" sign on the door of your Arbor View apartment and enjoy one of the most relaxing and rewarding activities, perfect for a beginner at any age: fishing. There are ADA accessible piers that have lower railings in various areas, shallow, bank-side fishing at Wayhoff Junker State Park, and a paved boat ramp at Wind Lake. Check out the Let's Go Fishing Program that provides free, assisted boat fishing trips for seniors and others with mobility concerns.
What Are Fun Outdoor Activities in the Garden?
The moment you step onto the Arbor View community, you'll notice the expansive outdoor areas that include lush gardens. While these are nice spots to meditate or read a book, they're also the perfect location for fun but low-impact lawn games.
Some lawn games seniors may enjoy include:
- Bean Bag Toss
- Ladder Toss
- Ring Toss
- Frisbee
- Shuffleboard
- Bocce ball
- Lawn bowling
Go beyond the senior community grounds and test your green thumb by participating in some of the local community gardens in Burlington. Seniors who are interested in getting one of these plots can apply through Burlington Green. In addition to growing your own food, you'll be helping the planet by adding to the area's climate action plan, and you may even donate fresh food to the local food bank.
Plus, working in a community garden lets you socialize with other like-minded gardeners. Seniors can also burn calories through moderate exercise that comes with managing plants, experience lower cortisol levels, and have a sense of accomplishment as their healthy crops grow.
How Can I Have Fun on Racine County Walking Paths?
Walking is great exercise, but it's even better when you can do so in a group; a perfect reason to join Arbor View's daily group afternoon stroll activity. As you further explore the walking paths throughout the area, you can also learn about local history when you walk the Root River Pathway.
In addition to walking, you can also bike the Lake Michigan Pathway and enjoy scenic views of Lake Michigan. Bring your camera for scenic snapshots.
Besides our Arbor View's regular walking groups, you can reach out online to find other groups on Meetup or Facebook. Create a nature scavenger hunt to see if you can locate local flora and fauna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burlington, WI, a Good Place to Live?
Whether you're in a senior living community or a separate residence, Burlington, Wisconsin, is considered a good area to live. People love the area's small town charm, sense of community, historic downtown, and the family-friendly and retiree-friendly atmosphere it provides.
The location between Chicago and Milwaukee provides easy access to bigger cities and their amenities. However, people who live in Burlington can take advantage of smaller local businesses, more parks, and lower crime rates.
What Outdoor Activities Are Available in Wisconsin?
Whether you're in Burlington or another city, the state of Wisconsin has many outdoor activities for various interest levels and age groups. It's an ideal place to enjoy birdwatching, camping, or fishing and swimming in the over 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers and streams.
Master your T swing with golfing. Take a break from walking or hiking with some scenic horseback riding.
How Far Should a 70-Year-Old Walk Every Day?
30 minutes of moderate walking is ideal for the average 70-year-old. That comes out to about 1.2 to 2.5 miles or 3,000 to 6,000 steps. Seniors who are new to walking should start slowly and with shorter durations while gradually increasing walking length and perhaps the incline. Even walking in shorter intervals, like 10 minutes, is beneficial to overall health.
Feel the Joy of Nature
Burlington, WI, outdoor recreation is a great way to enjoy life, especially in one's later years. Seniors new to exploring the outdoors extensively are in the perfect location, as they can start with something simple, like walking and birdwatching. From there, they could always expand more into fishing, gardening, and make time for the simple lawn games right outside.
Having fun outdoors can cause a greater appreciation for nature while burning calories and enjoying better cardiovascular and mental health, which can reduce cognitive decline and produce better sleep.
Residents at Arbor View have more time for fun outdoor activities since essentials like daily meals, laundry, weekly housekeeping, and maintenance are done for you. Get up in the morning and choose activities from the monthly calendar or create your own.
Are you ready to have fun in a supportive community? Contact the Arbor View team online for a tour.