7 Wonderful Ways to Spend More Time Outdoors This Spring

As the winter months come to an end, you’re probably looking forward to enjoying the warmer spring weather. After spending months indoors, you probably want to spend more time outdoors. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll in the park or tending to a garden, there are countless ways for seniors to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine this season.

At Leisure Villas, we understand how important it is for seniors to enjoy plenty of time in the sunlight. But you might not know how to get more outdoor time in this spring. If you’re looking for suggestions of great ways to spend more time outdoors this spring, keep reading to see what our team recommends. 

The Importance of Spending Time Outdoors

Spending time outdoors offers a variety of health benefits, making it important for seniors to set aside some outdoor time every day. First, spending time outdoors is important for getting your daily recommended vitamin D. It is best to spend 10 to 30 minutes outdoors every day to get your recommended vitamin D. 

Additionally, when you spend more time outdoors, you can improve your thinking, reasoning, and other mental abilities. Time outdoors can help relax your mind, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills. It can also help reduce your cortisol levels, which is especially important if you have previously dealt with cardiovascular problems. 

Finally, if you spend more time outdoors, you can improve your mental health substantially. The more time you spend outdoors, the better you will sleep. If you want to spend more time outdoors this spring to enjoy these benefits, there are many hobbies that you can consider incorporating into your daily routine to do so. 

Great Ways to Spend More Time Outdoors This Spring

1. Spend Time in the Garden

Gardening is a therapeutic activity that can help you connect with nature while nurturing plants and flowers. Whether you’re planting a patch of vegetables or tending to potted plants on your patio, gardening offers a variety of physical and mental health benefits. Head out to your garden to spend more time outdoors this spring and enjoy the relaxing benefits of gardening. 

2. Attend an Outdoor Concert

Spring brings a plethora of outdoor activities, including outdoor concerts. Check out local event listings and community bulletin boards to determine if there is an outdoor concert you may enjoy attending with friends and family. Participating in outdoor activities like this can foster a sense of belonging and connection while enjoying your favorite music. 

3. Start Taking Walks

If you want to spend more time outdoors this spring, taking walks is a great way to do so while getting in some important exercise. If you don’t want to go for a walk alone, consider getting a group of friends from your neighborhood together to go for a walk with you. Walking with friends gives you a good opportunity to chat with friends while stretching your legs. 

4. Go Fruit Picking

As fruit trees in your area begin to produce fruit once again, now is a great time to go fruit picking with your friends or family. Going fruit picking is a great way to enjoy so fresh, delicious local produce in a variety of ways. You can even turn this fruit into a fresh dessert, jam, fruit leather, or salad. 

5. Take a Bike Ride

You might want to consider going for a bike ride this spring if you want to enjoy some extra time in the sunshine. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that can improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your muscles, and improve your balance and coordination. Explore the outdoors without putting too much pressure on your joints and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. 

6. Plan a Family Picnic

If you want to spend more time outdoors this spring but also want to enjoy more time with your loved ones, consider planning a family picnic. You can pack up a basket of sweet treats or stop by your favorite restaurant and pick up a favorite meal. Then, head to a local park and enjoy spending a few hours with your loved ones. 

7. Go for a Swim

When the weather is feeling warm enough, you might want to consider going for a swim. Swimming is a great way to get some exercise without putting excessive stress on achy joints. It can also help you improve your balance and coordination without having to worry about potential falls. If you’re looking for a low-impact way to enjoy spending time outdoors, swimming is the perfect solution. 

How to Safely Spend More Time Outdoors

While you may want to spend more time outdoors this spring, it is important that you do so safely. Failing to prepare for time outdoors may result in skin damage, irritation, and, in more extreme cases, the development of skin cancer. To enjoy spending time outdoors safely, make sure to do the following:

• Apply SPF 30 before sun exposure and reapply every two hours
• Bring an umbrella or wide-brimmed hat to seek shade when necessary
• Wear lightweight clothing so you don’t overheat
• Carry a water bottle so you can stay well-hydrated
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from intense sunlight

Enjoy Retirement in a Leisure Villas Community

If you are entering retirement and want to find a supportive community where you can spend more time outdoors, look no further than our Leisure Villas communities. With several communities across the Salt Lake City area, we’re confident that we have a great community for you to call home. 

With a community clubhouse, public pool, libraries, and so much more, there is something for everyone to enjoy when you live in a Leisure Villas community. If you would like to schedule a tour of one of our communities or would like to learn more about what we have to offer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today.