As the days grow longer and the weather starts to warm, it’s the perfect time for seniors to embrace the beauty of nature and enjoy outdoor activities. At VRS’s retirement community in Nanaimo, BC, Lakeside Gardens, we understand the importance of staying active and connected with the outdoors, especially as spring approaches. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of outdoor activities tailored for seniors, from bird watching to gardening and outdoor walks, providing opportunities for residents to immerse themselves in the rejuvenating spirit of spring.
Embracing Nature: The Benefits of Outdoor Activities for Seniors
Spring is the season of new beginnings, and spending time outdoors offers a plethora of benefits for seniors, encompassing physical health, mental well-being, and social engagement. From improved cardiovascular health to reduced stress and enhanced cognitive function, outdoor activities play a vital role in promoting overall wellness among seniors. Additionally, the opportunity to connect with nature fosters a sense of tranquillity and connection with the world around us, contributing to a greater sense of purpose and fulfilment in life.
Bird Watching: A Delightful Pastime for Seniors
Bird watching is a delightful and accessible outdoor activity for seniors of all mobility levels. Whether observing from a window, sitting in a garden, or venturing on a nature walk, bird watching offers a serene and captivating experience. Seniors can marvel at the beauty and diversity of local bird species, from colourful songbirds to majestic raptors, providing endless opportunities for discovery and appreciation of the natural world. At VRS Senior Communities’ home in Nanaimo, BC, Lakeside Gardens, we love creating a welcoming outdoor environment for residents to indulge in the joys of bird watching.
Gardening: Cultivating Joy and Connection with Nature
Gardening is a timeless and rewarding activity that allows seniors to cultivate joy and connection with nature right outside their doorstep. Whether planting flowers, vegetables, or herbs, gardening offers a sense of accomplishment and purpose as residents nurture and care for green spaces. Looking for blooming inspiration? Here is a list of some of the best flowers to plant in Spring! We encourage you to reference where Nanaimo, BC is categorized on the plant hardiness zone map as a guide to successful garden growth.
Gardening also provides physical exercise, mental stimulation, and opportunities for social interaction, making it a beloved pastime for seniors to enjoy together. With many opportunities to adapt the accessibility of gardening, it is an activity many residents at Lakeside Gardens get to enjoy.
Outdoor Walks: Exploring the Scenic Surroundings
Outdoor walks are a simple yet invigorating way for seniors to explore the scenic surroundings of Lakeside Gardens and, Nanaimo, BC. With picturesque trails, lush greenery, and serene landscapes, our community offers the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and nature walks in Spring. Whether walking solo, with a friend, or as part of a guided group, residents can enjoy the fresh air, soak in the sunshine, and delight in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. Let the harmonious blend of sound and scenery envelop you in a symphony of serenity during your outdoor walk when living at Lakeside Gardens, a senior community in Nanaimo, BC.
Additional Outdoor Activities for Seniors
Picnics and Outdoor Dining
Picnics and outdoor dining provide seniors with the opportunity to savour delicious meals amidst the beauty of nature. Whether enjoying a leisurely picnic in the garden or gathering with friends for an alfresco meal on the patio, outdoor dining offers a delightful sensory experience that stimulates the appetite and lifts the spirits.
Picnic Meal Ideas and Inspiration
Looking for Spring picnic meal ideas and inspiration? Here are a few great meal ideas that many residents of Nanaimo, BC’s senior community love:
- Finger sandwiches: Prepare an assortment of bite-sized sandwiches using soft bread and fillings such as egg salad, chicken salad, cucumber and cream cheese, or tuna salad. Cut them into small, manageable pieces for easy eating.
- Fresh fruit platter: Create a colourful fruit platter featuring ripe, easy-to-eat fruits like grapes, berries, melon cubes, and sliced oranges. Consider adding a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavour!
- Cheese and crackers: Offer a selection of mild cheeses (such as cheddar, Swiss, or brie) paired with whole-grain crackers. You can also include some sliced apples or pears for a sweet and savoury combination.
- Deviled Eggs: Prepare deviled eggs filled with a creamy mixture of egg yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. These protein-packed treats are easy to eat with a fork and can be made in advance for convenience.
- Mini Quiches: Bake mini quiches filled with ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, cheese, and ham. These savoury bites are both nutritious and delicious, providing a satisfying option for picnics.
- Pasta Salad: Whip up a light and refreshing pasta salad using small pasta shapes like penne or fusilli, mixed with fresh vegetables (such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers) and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. Add some diced chicken or shrimp for extra protein if desired.
- Lemon Bars: Bake a batch of lemon bars for a sweet and tangy dessert option. These citrusy treats are light and refreshing, making them the perfect way to end a picnic meal on a delightful note.
- Herbal Iced Tea: Quench your thirst with a refreshing herbal iced tea made from fresh herbs like mint, lemon balm, or chamomile. Infuse the tea with slices of lemon or cucumber for extra flavour and serve chilled in individual cups or thermoses.
Spring is such a beautiful time at our senior community in Nanaimo, BC for a picnic while the weather is warm, flowers are beginning to bloom, and nature comes alive with an abundance of energy.
Outdoor Yoga or Tai Chi Sessions
Outdoor yoga or tai chi sessions offer seniors the opportunity to practice mindfulness, gentle movement, and relaxation in the serene setting of nature. Whether practicing yoga poses amidst the tranquillity of our garden or performing tai chi movements in a peaceful outdoor space, these ancient mind-body practices promote physical health, mental well-being, and inner harmony. At VRS retirement community in Nanaimo, BC, we have a beautiful outdoor courtyard which allows our seniors with access to practice their outdoor yoga or tai chi sessions.
Painting or Sketching in Plein Air
Painting or sketching in plein air (the act of painting outdoors) allows seniors to unleash their creativity and express themselves through art while immersed in the beauty of the outdoors. Whether capturing the play of light and shadow on a garden landscape or sketching the intricate details of a blooming flower, plein-air painting offers a unique and enriching artistic experience. At Lakeside Gardens in Nanaimo, BC, we have outdoor courtyards where residents gather inspiration, allowing them to explore various painting techniques, experiment with different mediums, and unleash their artistic talents. Spring is the perfect time for senior residents living in a VRS retirement community in Nanaimo, BC, to gather inspiration from nature.
As spring unfolds and nature bursts into bloom, there’s no better time for seniors to embrace the outdoors and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at their retirement community in Nanaimo, BC. From bird watching to gardening, outdoor walks, and beyond, these activities offer endless opportunities for seniors.
Hoppy spring! Let’s carrot on with the festivities at the retirement home! If you’re looking for a vibrant community where you can embrace the joys of spring alongside like-minded individuals, why not inquire about our retirement home today? Discover the warmth of community, the beauty of nature, and the comfort of home at Lakeside Gardens. Contact us at 250.756.0799 to get more information and hop into a new season of life with us!
If you’re looking for a VRS Seniors Community retirement home that offers a fulfilling community, we are here for you. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have. Call 250.756.0799 to arrange a tour at VRS’ warm and friendly Lakeside Gardens.