Spring is a time of new growth and warm weather. After spending the winter indoors, your elderly loved one may yearn to hear birds sing and see flowers blooming again. In fact, fresh air and sunshine have been proven to contribute to good health—both physically and mentally. Many doctors recommend spending some time outdoors each day so the body can generate Vitamin D. Here are eight simple and uplifting spring activities for the elderly to enjoy:

1. Take A Walk

Enjoy a short walk along a paved path so you can enjoy the budding flowers and watch for wildlife. Keep in mind that even if you only walk a short distance, you both can take your time and take pleasure in the experience. If your loved one is in a wheelchair, push him or her along the path. This is a wonderful way to take in all of the sights and sounds of spring.

2. Garden

If your loved one used to tend a flower or vegetable garden, he or she may miss springtime planting. Although a large garden may no longer be possible, consider planting a flower or vegetable plant in a patio garden, or even on a windowsill. Herbs are usually easy to grow. Your loved one will enjoy caring for a small garden and watching it thrive.

3. Feed the Birds

Install a bird feeder or bird house where your loved one will be able to watch the birds from inside the house. Invite him or her to come outside and help fill the bird feeder regularly. If your loved one likes to make crafts, they may enjoy helping construct a small bird feeder. A simple DIY bird feeder can be made from a pint milk container: cut a hole in the front, design the outside however you like, attach a string to the top, fill it with bird seed, and hang it up outside.

4. Attend Outdoor Concerts

Many communities offer spring and summer outdoor concerts. Take your loved one to enjoy the music and fresh air. This will also provide a good opportunity for him or her to socialize with other members of the community.

5. Invite the Kids

If there are children in the family, consider activities in which they can participate as well. Everyone—including your loved one—will enjoy the energy and positivity that kids offer. Some options include flying a kite or going to a playground or nearby beach.

6. Pack a Picnic

Whether it’s with a large family group or an outing for two, a picnic is an excellent way of getting fresh air and making your next meal exciting. Find a picnic table that is near a paved path or parking lot. Parks generally offer many options.

7. Watch a Game

Did your loved ones enjoy going to baseball games in his or her younger years? Surprise him or her by going to a ballgame this spring. Stadiums are typically wheelchair accessible (though you should check in advance), and you don’t have to commit to seeing the entire game. Enjoy a few innings in the fresh air together. Consider going to a high school game if it will be closer and more manageable. Or if the children in the family play a sport, bring your loved one to watch their competitions.

8. Go Fishing

Spring is a great time to catch a fish. For someone with mobility issues, it may not be possible to go out in a boat, but there is always the option of fishing from a pier.

In preparation for spring, it may be wise to assist your loved one in building strength now. If your loved one has been sedentary throughout the winter season, he or she may need to exercise prior to taking a walk outside. Talk to your doctor about exercises than can be done now to prepare. There are many chair exercises available to do indoors now, and these will make a difference.

Spring has definitely arrived, and with it, the characteristic springtime feelings of hope and levity. Enjoy the new season with your loved one by engaging in these uplifting spring activities for the elderly.

(taken from Complete Care Atlanta)

British Columbia’s government will spend $500 million over the next four years to improve care for seniors, including increasing the direct services the elderly receive at residential care facilities.

Health Minister Terry Lake says the plan will allow provincial health authorities to provide more than three hours of daily direct care to seniors in public and private residential care facilities.

B.C. has more than 32,000 seniors care beds at residential and assisted-living facilities.

Isobel Mackenzie, B.C.’s senior’s advocate, says the plan means 7,000 extra hours to care for seniors every day.

She says she expects the plan will result in more baths, walks and bathroom breaks for seniors.

Judy Darcy, the Opposition New Democrat health critic, says after 16 years of neglecting seniors, the government has decided to spend $500 million barely two months before the start of the election campaign.

Daniel Fontaine, executive officer for the B.C. Care Providers Association, calls the funding a pivotal moment for seniors and their families.

(taken from CBC)

After a long and sometimes dark winter, you might feel inspired to make changes to enhance your health. If that is the case, read on to find out how you can rejuvenate your life this spring. Whether you’re living in a senior community already, living independently, living with a family member, or caring for one, these spring health tips are worth taking into account.

Take Yourself in for a Tune Up

To keep your body running at peak performance, it needs regular maintenance: a spring tune-up, so to speak. Get your weight, blood pressure, and glucose and cholesterol levels checked out by your primary-care physician, who can also book you for other relevant tests.

In addition, if it’s been a year since your eyes were tested, schedule an appointment with your optometrist, and see your dentist if you haven’t been examined for at least six to nine months.

Finally, if you are finding it difficult to catch what people are saying, especially in a crowd of people, it’s probably time to get your hearing tested.

Put on Your Walking Shoes

If you’re no fan of ice and snow, your whole world may expand once the spring sun settles in and thaws out the land. And there’s no better way to explore the season then by walking. Health-wise, it’s one of the best physical activities for seniors – its considerable benefits include controlling blood sugar, supporting bone and heart health and improving sleep.

Not only that, walking in a park or forest is a great way to connect with nature, and, if you join a walking club or hiking group, it can be an easy way to meet new friends.

Remember to make sure that you choose terrain that is suitable for your current level of activity and balance, and that you wear supportive and comfortable shoes, as these can help reduce the risk of falls.

Exercise Class

In addition to walking, get your endorphins flowing by signing up for a low-impact aerobics or other type of exercise class. Consider Yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi, all of which can improve balance and flexibility and decrease your chances of falling. Aquafit is another fun and social way to increase physical fitness, one that can be especially suitable if you have arthritis or chronic pain.

Get Outside and Garden

In springtime, a highlight of many seniors’ lives is gardening, which brings a multitude of health benefits. For starters, tending to a garden can boost your level of Vitamin D, which can, in turn, help reduce the risk of bone problems and fractures.

On an emotional level, getting outside and breathing fresh air, listening to birds chirp, and watching worms crawl through the dirt can be as calming and relaxing as an hour of meditation. On a physical level, digging, planting and weeding can improve strength, flexibility and agility.

Lighten Up Your Diet

Many healthy fruits and veggies, like asparagus, peas, lettuce, and strawberries come into season in the spring, making it the perfect time to replace heavier winter meals with salads, light soups or other lightly cooked fare. In fact, cut down your chances of developing conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis, by making a complete dietary overhaul.

Consider cutting down on red meat and processed foods, replacing white flour with whole grain flour, and increasing your intake of produce as well as healthy fats such as olive oil and avocados.

Remember that you should never undertake a new diet or exercise plan without consulting your doctor about what will be safe for your current level of health.

Drink Lots of Water

As you age, your ability to notice thirst may decrease, so it’s important to keep an eye on water intake, especially when you’ve been exercising outdoors in the sun. Dehydration can adversely affect memory and concentration and increase fatigue; it can also lead to serious complications such as increased risk of falls.

As a rule of thumb, aim for at least eight cups of water per day, and be conscious about the type of fluid that you ingest, choosing water, herbal tea and fresh vegetable juices over coffee, fruit juices or sugary sweet soft drinks.

Dress for the Weather

Spring is one of those in-between seasons — some days are weather-perfect, while others are a little too hot or a little too brisk. When the sun is shining brightly, always wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays that can adversely affect your skin and eyes, while on cooler or windier days, insulate yourself from the cold by topping off your outfit with a sweater or jacket and a scarf.

Watch for Allergies

Springtime can mean the beginning of allergies for people who react badly to grass and pollen. Keep an eye on the weather. Many weather reporters and websites now offer allergy predictions as well. Untreated allergies aren’t just uncomfortable–they can lead to breathing problems, sinus infections, and colds.

A doctor can recommend or prescribe a good allergy treatment. Taking it regularly can help prevent more serious respiratory problems.

(taken from the Arbor company)

Do you have any seasonal health tips that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below!