Summer Activities for Seniors in Hayward, California

There's a unique connection between time spent outdoors and improvements in senior health.

A study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that, with at least 30 minutes spent outdoors daily, seniors benefited in a variety of ways. They had improved self-satisfaction, increased cognitive function, a better sense of balance, and more.

To make sure you get these benefits for yourself, it's time to put your focus on outdoor summer activities. They're sure to help you meet your outdoor time quota while also having a lot of fun.

Keep reading to learn the top activities that can help improve your quality of life in Hayward, CA!

Plein Air Painting

This traditional style of painting focuses on going beyond the typical four walls and into the world around you. There's nothing better than a live subject to study and paint -- and Hayward has many gorgeous spots for you to go.

One trick to this style of painting is to try and capture the unique way light plays with your surroundings. It'll teach you so much about color mixing and observation while working on hand-eye coordination.

Plus, getting creative keeps your brain active while you're having a fun time.

If you're not a fan of painting or want a simpler set of supplies, try sketching instead. All you need is a sketchbook and a pencil, and then you can go somewhere nice and sketch what you see.

Gardening

One of the best ways to have seasonal fun is to start outdoor gardening. It's a rewarding hobby that'll keep giving you reasons to go outside again and again. After all, you don't want your little sprouts to wither away.

Gardening can also give you benefits such as:

Improved physical fitness
Sense of accomplishment
Lowered stress
Stronger motor skills
Better balance

To inspire you to get started, make sure to check out the local Hayward Japanese Gardens. You'll feel transported to someplace magical full of thriving greenery and gorgeous sights, which is sure to spur you on a gardening adventure.

Biking

Biking is an excellent way to embrace the idea of outdoor wellness. This physical activity puts less strain on your joints compared to walking or running and allows you to see more sights around you.

There's something relaxing about hopping on a bike and having a random adventure before going home to your senior apartments for some downtime.

To ensure safety while biking, make sure to wear a helmet and go with a friend. Take your time getting back on the saddle if it's been a long time since you biked. After the first attempt, however, it'll be like you never stopped!

Picnicking

Few things are as enjoyable as a day spent picnicking with friends and family. It gives you plenty of opportunities for social engagement while you snack on delicious foods and soak up the sun.

It can be fun preparing the food beforehand, too. Try something new or cook the items into bite-sized shapes.

Sightseeing

How often do you take a closer look at your local Hayward area? Is there a childhood favorite you haven't visited in years?

Summer is the perfect time to go sightseeing.

Everything is teeming with life, and the weather is warm. Pathways are free of ice and snow, and people are often more inclined to stop and interact.

You could go walking through local parks or take a private airplane tour. The Little Explorers Petting Zoo is an adorable way to see animals up close. A local farmer's market is always a joy to browse.

No matter where you choose to go, take time to stop and admire anything that catches your eye. It's not often we slow down enough to do so.

Tie-Dye Clothing

Getting into creative pursuits can be overwhelming, no matter how beneficial they may be. That's why choosing an easy-to-begin project can be the perfect gateway to further art exploration.

Tie-dying is a fun activity that gives you wearable results that you won't find in any store. It'll be a unique representation of your effort and color choices.

It's a simple process, so you can repeat this activity throughout the summer as much as you want.

Golfing

Have you ever considered hitting the green? No time is better for golfing than when the summer sun is out and the fields are at their greenest.

It's a sport that can be addictive once you start. The urge to improve on your last swing will keep you wanting to come back.

You could even turn this activity into weekly senior events where you get together with friends and try to beat last week's score. It'll give everyone something to look forward to and give you plenty of gentle exercise and socialization this summer.

Lifelong Learning

Taking a class can be a great way to live a vibrant life. It'll keep your brain active and help give you a new perspective. The idea of lifelong learning should be part of the Hayward senior lifestyle.

It gives you the benefits of:

Better cognitive health
Higher self-esteem
Greater emotional understanding
Learning a new skill
New social connections

The good news is that there are classes and workshops available throughout the area. You can also learn new things when you join a welcoming senior community.

Outdoor Reading

To further your learning, try bringing your current book outside. You'll get to relax in the sun and breathe fresh air without needing to do anything strenuous.

You can even read alongside others and make a social activity out of it. Reading out loud could make it feel almost like a simple play you're performing together.

Dive Into More Summer Activities With Bellara

The key to getting more involved in summer activities is to join a local Hayward senior community that supports you every step of the way.

At Bellara, we make comfort and safety our main concern. Every resident gets an individual care plan that meets their needs without stealing their sense of freedom. We enjoy exciting activities all year round, alongside spacious floor plans, comfortable amenities, and more!

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