Active Today, Stronger Tomorrow

Older adults staying active, bird watching, walking, and gardening
Springtime is finally here — warmer temperatures, more hours of sunlight, and, finally, the flowers and plants are beginning to bud, pushing their way through the earth after a long winter. Spring is finally calling, so how will you take advantage of all of the spring activities?

Older adults staying active, bird watching, walking, and gardening
Older adults staying active, bird watching, walking, and gardening

Tips for Getting Active

It may have been difficult to leave the Massry in recent months due to the cold of winter and the icy walkways. Now the outside world is more available. What are some things you can do?

Birdwatching. A greater variety of birds are returning to the area and becoming more active. A few activities for birdwatchers include:

  • Observing their behavior.
  • Listening to their calls. (You can ID the calls at this website.)
  • Taking a close look with a pair of binoculars.
  • Seeing how many different birds you can identify.

This activity can be shared with family members of all ages. It’s relaxing, interesting, and stimulating, and you can even do it can take place on our grounds.

Gardening. Add gardening to your list of spring activities! Gardening can be great exercise, provide a sense of accomplishment and pride, and be shared with family and fellow gardening enthusiasts. The Massry has an active Gardening Club, so dig right in and help us beautify our home. If you’d like to learn more about gardening, check out these free online gardening classes.

Walking. Walking is great exercise and a fun and informal way to check in with family and friends. Perhaps you can pick out a nice place to stop and have a picnic! Our back patio is lovely this time of year.

In addition, playing these card or dice games out on a patio are great options for those who might like less physical activity:

  • Yahtzee
  • Checkers
  • Scrabble
  • Bridge
  • Gin Rummy

Creating arts and crafts. There are many arts and crafts projects that can be created outdoors. You are sure to be inspired by some of the activities planned by Christine, Amy, and Judy.

Going for a drive. Take your loved one for a drive. Visit an old neighborhood, or someplace you’ve always wanted to see. View the tulips in Washington Park. Stop at a drive-up window and enjoy something delicious.