Touring a museum is a perennial activity for all, and for good reason. It allows partakers to be basked in the greatest society has to offer, while relaxing and contemplating. There are a vast variety of them too, for all kinds of tastes! Many trips can be organized to visit your local museums of art, history, nature , and more! In addition, you can even organize more involved trips to renowned museums in big cities close to you as day or overnight trips!
A note on bus transportation: To make the bus social-distance friendly, one seat should be left empty behind and in front of every resident. In addition, residents should be seated in a staggered fashion on each side of the bus. Here is a downloadable resource discussing best-practices for making your bus ride social-distance friendly.
Make most of the landscape that is in your community's backyard! Organizing a hike for residents in the area is a great, simple and affordable way to get residents out and active! The location doesn't have to be far to be enjoyable. And, social distancing is easy while hiking - a win-win!
A note on bus transportation: To make the bus social-distance friendly, one seat should be left empty behind and in front of every resident. In addition, residents should be seated in a staggered fashion on each side of the bus. Here is a downloadable resource discussing best-practices for making your bus ride social-distance friendly.
Check out the inspiration for this idea here.
The beach can be a wide-open space, providing relaxation and stimulation to residents. Organize several small group beach trips for residents to enjoy the sun, the water, and relax in the outdoors. Smaller groups allows for better social-distancing.
A note on bus transportation: To make the bus social-distance friendly, one seat should be left empty behind and in front of every resident. In addition, residents should be seated in a staggered fashion on each side of the bus. Here is a downloadable resource discussing best-practices for making your bus ride social-distance friendly.
Why not enable residents to plan out their own day trips? With the use of a car and map service, residents can plan out their own day's activity as an outing, either solo or with select friends! Ideas for road trip destinations are to local parks, to a lake or river, or to a beach. Be sure residents understand how to use a GSP, if they choose to use one, and that the activity is planned out and approved before departure. Estimated departure and arrival times should be set, as well as providing participating residents with cell phones and emergency contact information should there ever be a need.
Check out the original idea here.
Many flea markets start up outside as the nice weather arrives. Create a fun shopping activity for your residents by going to a flea market! This activity can be conducted as a 1-on-1 activity or as a group activity. If as a group, organize transportation, set a an arrival and departure, and sign up residents in advanced that want to go. It's as simple as that! Plus, it will get residents into their local community and socializing!
A note on bus transportation: To make the bus social-distance friendly, one seat should be left empty behind and in front of every resident. In addition, residents should be seated in a staggered fashion on each side of the bus. Here is a downloadable resource discussing best-practices for making your bus ride social-distance friendly.
Check out the original idea here.
Take residents back to the 80's by procuring used roller skates for your community! Roller skates can be purchased very cheaply, and can make for great fun on a nice day - all the while being a great activity for physical distancing. Residents who usually walk together will now have the option to skate together. Staff-lead outings can even be held, provided enough equipment can be procured.
Alternatively, if your community has a rolling skating rink nearby - an afternoon there would be much appreciated by residents!
For safety, be sure to get at least a helmet, knee and elbow pads! As for cleaning, be sure that the equipment is properly sanitized after every use.
Opportunities abound to volunteer to teach a class on virtually unlimited topics, online and in your community! If your residents are passionate about something, that's a great opportunity to have them teach a class on it! Alternatively, many associations and organizations would rejoice if a resident were to volunteer to teach on various topics. Examples are elementary schools hosting reading or writing sessions for their students, and recreation complexes needing sport instructor volunteers! To find local and online opportunities, google senior volunteering in your area.
The warm weather brings with it the opportunity to host workshops and classes outside! Putting on a dance (or more specifically a Zumba class!) is a fantastic way to promote moving and health in your residence. It is also sure to boost morale after a long winter indoors. Zumba, and dancing, are fun aerobic exercises that also promotes muscle growth. As residents get older, promoting activity that boosts muscle and cardiovascular ability is as important as ever as it reduces the chances of falls and injury!
Need we say more? Be sure to get in contact with a dance instructor pronto!
Check out the original social dance idea here.
The summer lends itself to being active in the great outdoors! Why not organize for residents to experience their local area by paddle? Organizing a canoe or kayak outing is a perfect activity for long-lasting fun that gets residents out of their neighborhood safely. Search for and contact a local paddling rental company to set up the outing. Next, get a list of interested residents and set up transportation, by bus probably!
A note on bus transportation: To make the bus social-distance friendly, one seat should be left empty behind and in front of every resident. In addition, residents should be seated in a staggered fashion on each side of the bus. Here is a downloadable resource discussing best-practices for making your bus ride social-distance friendly.
Spring is here! Summer is right around the corner :) Getting a few used bikes for your residents is a great activity idea to get some fresh air while keeping everyone socially distanced.
Residents can have free use of a bicycle if one is available - perfect for a solo activity. Having bicycles around also lends itself to a group activity, either led by staff or residents biking together alone. Be sure to have disinfectant materials at the bike storage location so that residents can clean their bikes before and after each use.
