Are you ready to get out of the house and enjoy summer? It may feel like you’ve been cooped up forever, thanks to COVID-19. This summer certainly has already looked a lot different than years before, and we imagine that your life has been affected as well – some in big ways, some in small ways. Nonetheless, one thing hasn’t changed: the desire to have fun and stay active during the summer months.
“Summer is normally the season when we visit friends and family, enjoy the great outdoors and spend the long days seeking adventure,” says Angel Van Horn, Community Relations Specialist at Park Manor, the most trusted retirement community in Nashville, TN. “Summer is also the season when the general population is the most physically active, simply because so many activities take place outside and involve some form of exercise.”
Staying active is an important part of health and wellness for seniors, but so is staying cautious and reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19. After all, seniors are the highest-risk age group for this disease – so what can you do to have fun this summer and stay safe?
“Summer 2020 will definitely be a challenge and different than the past,” says Angel. “However, there are still plenty of fun and enjoyable ways to stay active this summer, as long as you have a sense of creativity and are willing to be flexible. At Park Manor, our residents’ safety is our top priority – followed by doing everything we can to help them live an active and enjoyable lifestyle. You can be sure that throughout the summer months we will be putting together many fun and safe activities for our residents.”
Intrigued? Check out some of Park Manor’s plans for the summertime to get inspired.
1. Hit the beach.
When you hear the name “Nashville,” you probably don’t think “sandy beaches.” However, this town does have plenty of parks, beaches and lakes that are perfect for spending time beneath the sweltering summer sun. Seniors can enjoy hiking along trails, working their arm muscles by kayaking or boating, swimming or simply having a nice picnic. Be sure to wear sunscreen!
2. Tour your town.
We may not be able to travel far from our hometowns right now, which makes now the perfect opportunity to pretend to be a tourist in your own town. Many cities (probably yours, in fact) have walkable downtown areas or historic districts that are perfect for strolling or biking during the summertime. Best of all, the shops that line these districts will probably be open in some capacity now that stay-at-home orders have been lifted. Spend a day walking up and down the streets, shopping at the little boutiques along the way or enjoying a delicious lunch, ice cream or drink. Not only will you be getting exercise, but you’ll also be helping support local businesses.
3. Plant a garden.
Growing flowers, fruits and vegetables is a time-honored tradition that provides great exercise and allows you to literally reap the fruits of your labor. Although July isn’t the perfect time to plant a garden, it’s a good time to make sure your landscaping and existing garden is in tip-top shape. For novices, choose plants that are hardy and can grow almost anywhere, like certain herbs or vegetables. Depending on the amount of space you have available, be creative – everything from tiny shelf gardens to container gardens to a big plot out back are all fair game.
4. Walk to the store.
We’re so used to getting in our cars and driving everywhere we want to go. Why not take some time to slow down and saunter? One of the (perhaps) easiest ways to do that is by walking to the store instead of driving. Many people these days live within walking distance of a grocery store or other small bodega. Granted, if you’re doing a big weekly shop and you know you’ll end up buying pounds upon pounds of groceries, we don’t recommend trying to walk and carry everything. However, if you choose to live a more European lifestyle – that is, going to the store every day to get a little bit of whatever’s needed for the day’s meal – consider walking to the store to pick up whatever you need. Not only will this be great exercise, but it may also cut down on impulse buys. Just be sure to not walk during the heat of the day, and be sure to wear a hat and bring water so you don’t get overheated.
5. Stream a few classes.
Let’s face it – summertime is hot, and even though we want to stay active, we don’t always want to do it outside. However, you may not wish to brave the gym, either. Instead, turn to the Internet – fitness instructors and gyms have risen to the COVID challenge and have been putting up and/or streaming classes at high volumes. Working out at home can be a lot easier – and a lot less stressful. YouTube streams are also a great way to try out a new class or type of exercise that you may have been wondering about but were hesitant to start up. If you have fun? Lucky you – you’ve opened up a whole new world of exercise. If you hate it? No worries; your next favorite exercise is just a click away.
“As long as you’re moving and having fun, it really doesn’t matter what you’re doing – what matters is that you’re simply doing it,” says Angel. “Remember that this, too, shall pass, and eventually we will get back to normal summer fun … but until that point, be creative and innovative, and you and your loved ones will find plenty of ways to be active and engaged this summer.”
If you have more questions about how to stay active this summer, please contact us at 615.997.3030.
Love Where You Live!
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “Do I love where I live?” If you ask that question of the residents of Park Manor, Nashville’s premier retirement community, the answer would be a resounding, “Yes!” For over 50 years, Park Manor has served Nashville’s seniors by providing a community designed to support an active, independent, secure, healthy and worry-free lifestyle. Located on seven spacious acres in the desirable Nashville neighborhood Belle Meade, we’re proud to provide a lifestyle our residents love each and every day.
Park Manor’s approach to senior living is simple: exceed our residents’ expectations. We strive to provide everything you could possibly need and want to live your life the way you choose. At Park Manor, you will enjoy a standard of living reminiscent of a luxury resort – but it’s not a vacation – it’s your lifestyle! This commitment is why we are held in such high regard by our surrounding community and are known as the premier retirement community offering independent living and assisted living lifestyles.
For seniors requiring memory care, Park Manor is associated with the prestigious Abe’s Garden® Memory Care Center of Excellence. Abe’s Garden® is committed to transforming the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by establishing a national model of residential living and day care programs for those suffering from the disease. Abe’s Garden® provides an unprecedented level of care in addition to a comprehensive array of services and lifestyle options.
At Park Manor, your continued independence is our top priority. Enjoy living life as you choose … in the comfort and privacy of your own apartment, while having the peace of mind of knowing help is available if and when you need it.
For more information, please call 615.997.3030.