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Urinary Incontinence: What It Is and How to Manage It

Urinary Incontinence Explained & How You Can Manage It

Urinary incontinence is a bladder control condition that most often happens to older adults, but it can also be an issue for some people younger people. Women are more likely to become incontinent but there are many men dealing with this condition. Since incontinence can happen to anyone at any time, it’s good to know what to expect and how it can be managed successfully by those who are afflicted with this life-changing condition.

What Causes Incontinence?

A leaky bladder can be compared to a leaky faucet. Instead of water leaking, the bladder leaks urine. The reason why the body isn’t able to stop the leaks is because the muscles that surround the bladder become too loose to function properly.

Why Does Incontinence Happen?

There are a variety of reasons why a person becomes afflicted with incontinence. The bladder or pelvic floor muscles are weakened. A person may have had a urinary tract infection. Nerve damage could be the culprit. Other reasons include pelvic organ prolapse, prescription medication side effects, chronic constipation, irritation or infection and overactive bladder muscles. In men, incontinence may also be caused by inflammation of the prostate gland or an enlarged prostate gland.

Types of Incontinence

There are four different types of incontinence.

Functional Incontinence. This is a type of incontinence that can happen to people with normal bladders. Situations may arise due to mobility issues or illness that prevent a person from getting to the bathroom on time.

Stress Incontinence. Activities such as exercise, lifting heavy objects, coughing, a sudden sneeze or even laughing can put too much pressure on the bladder, triggering urine leaks.

Urge Incontinence. A person feels a sudden urge to urinate and is unable to hold back the flow of urine.

Overflow Incontinence. The bladder is always full due to something obstructing the urethra. Small leaks occur because of an overflow of liquid in the bladder.

Here are some ways to manage incontinence.

Track Bladder Activity

In order to successfully manage incontinence, it helps to know how the condition is affecting you on a daily basis. Get a journal or notebook and start keeping a diary that records how much fluid you consume, how many times you leak urine during the entire day, urges to urinate and what you are doing when the leakage occurs. Record this information for a minimum of three days and a maximum of seven days to get an accurate picture of your incontinence situation. This information is helpful for planning a management strategy.

Create A Fluid and Toilet Schedule

Plan ahead of time when you’re going to drink liquid or eat liquid foods. You can set times of day for starting and stopping fluid intake. You may also want to plan when to take a bathroom break to empty your bladder, preventing it from being too full.

Exercise the Pelvic Area

Women and men can strengthen pelvic muscles by doing Kegel exercises. Some people like to use a classic Kegel exerciser tool, while others opt for biofeedback exercisers.

Use Effective Incontinence Protection

Incontinence protection products are essential for avoiding embarrassment. Always have these items on hand.

Incontinence Liner Pads
Incontinence Underwear
Incontinence Furniture Pads

6 Must-Have Dressing Aids for Independent Living

Senior woman putting her husband's slipper on his foot

Independent Living Must-Haves: 6 Essential Dressing Aids for Seniors

There are a variety of issues that can crop up when seniors are getting dressed for the day or evening. What used to be easy may now be a bit more challenging. Common tasks such as putting on a pair of socks and shoes may take longer due to conditions such as arthritis, diabetes or injury. But seniors living independently can do something to make getting dressed a lot easier to do: find the best dressing aid solutions. We are sharing our recommendations for dressing aids here to help get you started.

Sock and Stocking Helpers

What can one do when something as simple as putting on socks or stockings causes discomfort? The solution is simple: Choose one of the clever tools that take the strain out of pulling socks and hosiery up the leg. In addition to aiding with the pulling part, they can also keep you from having to bend over. Sock and stocking aids come in different designs, but they all work in a similar way. Some use a frame structure while others use a pole with a pulling tool at the end.

someone using a shoe horn to put their shoe on

Put Shoes On Easily

At some point, just about everyone has experienced the difficulty of putting on a pair of shoes. However, seniors may struggle with getting their shoes on more and more as they age. Fortunately, an old favorite – the shoehorn – is always handy to make this task easier. Simply slide the end of the shoehorn behind the heel and gently ease the foot into the shoe for a snug fit. Having a set of different sized shoehorns means that there’s always one that is sure to work for any type of shoe or boot.

Flexible Shoelaces

Seniors living with arthritis in the hands or who find tying shoelaces uncomfortable for any reason need a shoelace upgrade. Remove those stiff, standard shoelaces and replace them with flexible shoelaces. These improved shoelaces are made of stretch materials such as elastic or silicone. Seniors have two great options to choose from: Go with elastic shoelaces that require tying at least once or choose the no-tie shoelaces that never need tying. Both styles allow you to slip your foot into a shoe without the need to tie and untie laces.

Button and Zipper Tool

Another tool that is a big help for seniors struggling to maneuver buttons or securely hold zippers is the button and zipper tool. The loop tool for grabbing a button is at one end, and the small hook for grasping ahold of zippers is at the opposite end. This portable tool does most of the pulling work for you.

Magnetic Jewelry Clasps

Seniors can continue wearing their favorite jewelry pieces without hassling with those small, stubborn clasps with the help of magnetic jewelry clasps. Simply attach both magnetic clasps to both ends of the jewelry chain, and then use the invisible magnetic field to securely close the chain.

Removable Shoe Grippers

With winter weather comes the increased risk of slip-and-fall accidents on icy walkways and steps. Removable shoe covers with metal spike grippers can help prevent serious injuries. Just slip them on over shoes before going outside!

Top Caregiver Responsibilities & Essential Supplies

Common Senior Caregiver Tasks & Essential Supplies to Complete Them

Elderly man and woman playing cards with their caregiver

Being a caregiver for a senior is a huge responsibility, and a caregiver may be responsible for partial- or total-care duties. Throughout a given day, caregivers may be doing several different tasks, and each task is based on what the senior needs most at a particular time. How can a caregiver keep track of all the things that should be done? Caregiving professionals recommend creating a caregiving plan that lists everything that needs to be done to properly care for the individual. While tasks can vary greatly among seniors needing assistance, the following tasks are part of many caregivers’ plans.

Managing Prescription Medications

One of the most important jobs of a caregiver is to help seniors with their medication management. Seniors can have anywhere from one to multiple prescriptions to juggle, and the more medications there are, the more critical it is to keep track of them all. Pill bottles usually come with a label that includes dosage instructions. And while the original bottles should be kept for reference, prescription pills are much easier to manage when placed into a pill organizer. These organizers have separate compartments, and the best pill organizers make it easy to organize pills by day of the week, and even time of day.

caregiver helping senior man blow his nose

Helping with Meals

As seniors age, they typically eat less than they used to, and some seniors may lose interest in cooking or not be able to prepare meals for themselves anymore. Some seniors facing mobility issues may be housebound and unable to go out to buy food. Caregivers may be tasked with either preparing meals from scratch, shopping for foods that are easy for seniors to prepare at home, or ordering prepared meals to go from a restaurant or supermarket.

Regardless of how meals are handled, there are kitchen and dining aids that can make a difference in how comfortable both the senior and caregiver are during mealtime. For instance, adult bibs can protect clothing, saving a caregiver from doing laundry too often.

Aiding with Personal Hygiene

Some seniors struggle to keep up with their personal hygiene, and this can pose a health risk. It may fall upon caregivers to make sure the senior in their care takes a bath or shower. Essential bathroom aids include long-handled sponges and brushes and no-rinse cleansing wipes to help make personal hygiene tasks easier.

Incontinence is another sensitive personal hygiene issue that has to be dealt with in certain circumstances. It’s important to discuss what kind of incontinence products the person feels comfortable using. Choices include incontinence pads and briefs as well as incontinence leak protection products for furniture.

Mobility Assistance

Getting around can be tough for seniors experiencing mobility issues. Mobility may be limited due to medical conditions or the weakening of muscles. Many seniors want to be as mobile as possible, even with any limitations they might have.

To help them do this, caregivers can use a wide range of mobility aids. Items that can be kept on hand include portable steps or reaching tools that can grab items from hard-to-reach places. Rollators and walkers are great for assisting seniors who just need a little extra support in order to go out and be active.

Celebrating Mother’s Day with Your Senior Mother

joyful adult daughter greeting happy surprised senior mother in garden

Make Your Senior Mom’s Mother’s Day Special With These Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day only comes around once a year, and when it arrives, you want to make mom feel good by giving her a gift that is sure to be something she can appreciate. Moms who are seniors have a lifetime worth of nostalgic memories, and they also have current needs and desires. When you consider what kind of items your mom would enjoy receiving this Mother’s Day, focus on her lifestyle to narrow down your choices.

Here are some gift ideas to get you started.

Nostalgic Candy

Back in the day when your mom was a kid, she probably enjoyed eating candy that was popular with both kids and adults. These old-fashioned candies often spark fond memories of yesteryear, and if your mom has a sweet tooth, you can surprise her with some nostalgic favorites such as jellied orange slices, fruit-flavored dark chocolate sticks, filled raspberry candies and other sweet treats.

Comfortable Seating

At home, it’s common for your mom, and other family members, to spend long periods of time lounging in chairs. Your mom may have a favorite recliner or chair she often sits in. You can easily make her day by ramping up the comfort level of her chairs by choosing a pressure reducing chair cushion, a leather lumbar cushion, or perhaps, a cushy booster cushion. These cushions can provide relief for mom’s back, neck and shoulders or bottom.

Woman holding a weight while sitting on the floor

Safe Moderate Exercise

Regular exercise is essential for helping seniors to stay fit and in good health. Whether your mom is active or mobility challenged, you can find exercise equipment that suits her unique physical needs. For instance, seniors can stay seated and still get in a good workout with a folding pedal exerciser or durable stability ball. She can even lay down and let this zero-gravity exerciser do all of the work.

Relaxing Aromatherapy

If your mom is someone who enjoys pleasant aromas at home, or you think she can use some help with removing stress from her life, consider getting her aromatherapy products. Choose a diffuser and one or more essential oils. This Sleep & Relax blend is a good choice for getting her started on this rejuvenating journey.

Foot Care and Comfort

Maintaining good foot health is important for seniors when it comes to mobility, and you can make it easier for her to take good care of her feet with the following gift ideas. When she’s relaxing she can cushion her feet inside of these foot pillows. This heated foot spa is going to help make her tired feet feel so good. Your mom can groom her own toenails just like the professionals with her very own pedicure set. Or find mom a comfortable pair of Easy On shoes to wear.

Convenient Kitchen Helpers

Seniors need to take extra care when preparing meals in the kitchen. There are various types of kitchen aids that can make her time spent there easier and safer. You can combine a useful tool like a hands-free can opener with kitchen essential items such as a decorative mug.

Therapeutic Bracelet and More

Help your mom boost her circulation and reduce discomfort with a cool magnetic bracelet. She may also appreciate being able to keep track of time during the evening hours with a glow in the dark watch.

Choosing the Right Eating and Drinking Aids For the Elderly

Seniors who live independently can greatly improve their meal preparation and eating experiences with the right kitchen and eating aids. Older adults struggling with conditions such as arthritis, muscle weakness and issues that limit mobility often find that certain products make mealtime a lot more pleasant. Let’s take a look at what some of these aids are.

Utensils for Eating and Cooking

For those who find it difficult to hold standard eating utensils for the duration of a meal, it’s worthwhile to seek out forks, knives and spoons that include comfort-grip handles. The same goes for utensils used for cooking. Any utensils that make it easier to grip and hold are worth checking out.

Microwave Meal Helpers

Many seniors are used to having a microwave in the kitchen. This oven may be used quite frequently, especially when meals are being made for one or two people. Look for products that help make using a microwave simpler, faster and safer.

For example, microwaves can make dishes too hot to handle. To help avoid potentially hazardous dishes, seniors can use a microwave dish caddy that features handles that remain cool to the touch. Instead of handling heavy plates and bowls, an entire meal can be cooked or warmed up in stackable microwave trays with lids. These trays make it easy to prepare meals ahead of time for weekly meal planning.

Lids, Spouts and Straws

Sometimes, a simple modification can make a big difference. For instance, you can find drinking glasses, cups and mugs featuring lids that allow for a straw. Other lids include an opening for sipping beverages. These can help prevent accidental spills and annoying drips. Likewise, a set of milk spouts can make it easier to pour milk from a jug without making a mess. You may also want to start using reusable drinking straws made from stainless steel, glass and other materials, which make drinking beverages so much easier for many people.

Can and Jar Openers

Every kitchen has at least one can opener, and if seniors are still using one that requires lots of hand strength, it may be time to swap it out for a better version. These days, you can find modern hands-free can openers that run on battery power and do much of the opening work. Opening jars is another challenging task that can cause discomfort. Jar lids are notoriously hard to remove, even for younger people. The solution is to find an ergonomically designed jar opener that requires very little muscle strength to use.

Adult Bibs and Napkin Clips

Seniors with mobility issues may find it difficult to enjoy a meal without spilling food onto their clothing. Needless to say, this can be embarrassing and frustrating for them. Adult bibs are an easy solution. They are large enough to cover the entire front torso area, helping to avoid food stains on tops. Alternatively, you can opt for napkin clips, which are two clips attached to a sturdy lanyard. Simply clip a large napkin at both ends to form a disposable bib.

Safe and Effective Exercises for Seniors

Group of seniors sitting on exercise balls

You’re never too old to regain energy, balance and strength through exercise. In fact, there are growing numbers of senior citizens who are exploring various forms of exercise they may have never tried before.

The key to smart exercising for seniors is to make sure you choose only those exercises that are safe and effective for you and your unique needs. Not every type of exercise is right for every person, so be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise activity or regimen.

That said, the following is a list of physical activities that seniors might consider doing to get – or stay – in shape and maintain good agility and muscle strength.

Take a Walk

One of the easiest ways to get physically fit is to make time for a refreshing power walk. Walking is great exercise for seniors because you can walk at your own pace. Some people like to go for a brisk power walk, while others prefer to do normal walking strides. Whatever your preference, you should strive to walk for a good 15 to 20 minutes for a minimum of three to five times a week. This may involve taking a walk around the block, walking on a treadmill, stepping in place or using a stepper machine.

Do Some Chair Yoga

Yoga is hugely popular, and there are many types of yoga geared toward those who are beginners, all the way up to experienced practitioners. Many people love yoga because it stretches out the muscles and helps with flexibility, balance and mobility. One of the easiest types of yoga for seniors to do is chair yoga. This involves sitting comfortably in a chair and doing a series of gentle yoga moves, including poses, stretches and twists. Chair yoga is usually taught by a skilled yoga instructor, and you can attend a class in person or choose video instruction.

Learn Body Weight Moves

Low-impact body weight workouts can help with building muscle and strength, while also helping you lose weight. Comfortable workout clothes and a soft exercise mat are suggested for these exercises. Some notable exercises you might learn include bird dog, step-up, side-lying circles and chair squats.

Group of seniors doing stretches in a pool

Get in the Pool

If there is a pool in your vicinity, you may want to consider using it to get a low-impact workout. If you’re a swimmer, you can do a few laps. Some local public pools offer water aerobics classes. Water exercise is generally easy on the body because you are buoyant in the water, which creates less stress on the joints.

Discover Pilates

Pilates is another low-impact workout option that can help improve your breathing, balance and core strength. A comfortable exercise mat is all you need to get started. You can also add an inflatable ball to your workout routines to expand your level of fitness.

Stretch It Out Using Resistance Bands

Stretch your way to increased strength with the help of resistance bands and exercises that use these stretchable bands of rubber. Each time you stretch the band, it creates a level of resistance, which exercises a muscle group. You can find individual resistance bands and sets of bands that offer light to heavy resistance. The bands can help you build arm and leg strength, and there are even resistance bands made especially for hands.

Try an Upper Body Exerciser

You can build muscle while standing, sitting or just watching TV with the right in-home equipment. An over-the-door upper body exerciser is a cable/pulley system with cords and handles that, like resistance bands, provides the resistance needed to build strength. Simply slip it over the top of a door, shut the door and pull.

How to Embrace Using A Cane (and Use It Properly)

There’s nothing wrong with using a cane, especially if it keeps you healthy and active. In fact, a cane can add a certain distinguished quality, especially if you embrace using it and make it part of your look. You can even choose some colorful canes with attractive patterns and have different canes that go with different outfits. Let’s look at how to use a cane properly, which can help you maintain independence and stay safe.

First, make sure your cane is in good working order. Purchase a high-quality walking cane from a reputable provider like Easy Comforts. Make sure there are grooved rubber tips on the bottom of each leg of the cane (if there are multiple legs).
Fit your cane properly. There’s no use having a cane if it doesn’t fit you. When standing up straight, make sure the top of your cane reaches to the crease in your wrist. This enables your elbow to be slightly bent when holding the cane. Most canes are height adjustable.
Wear low-heeled, supportive shoes that provide good support. This isn’t to say you can’t break out some stylish boots or high heels once-in-a-while. Just make sure you’re careful and wear good walking shoes most of the time, especially if you’re venturing out somewhere unfamiliar.
Stand up. When it comes to using a cane properly to stand up, you want to hold the handle in one hand as you push up from the armrest of a chair.
Use your cane in the hand opposite your injured leg. This allows you to use the cane to support your weaker leg. Place your cane forward a short distance. Then move your weaker leg forward, leaning on the cane as you do so. Then step forward with your stronger leg. Make sure you look up periodically to see where you’re going.

Go up and down stairs one at a time. Push down on the cane and step up with your stronger leg. Then step onto the same step with your weaker leg and bring the cane up. To go down, place your cane down one step, and then step down with your stronger leg. Then step onto the same step with your weaker leg. If there’s a railing, hold onto it with the hand that’s not holding the cane.
Sit down by backing up to the chair. Back up until you feel the edge of the chair or couch. Hold the cane in one hand and the armrest in the other. Ease down into the chair or couch.
Don’t tempt fate. Prevent falls by removing throw rugs from your home that might trip you, making sure furniture is easy to move around and removing any clutter from floors. Keep stairs clear of clutter as well, and add treads if necessary. Also, make sure you have a sturdy handrail on the stairs. Use non-slip mats in the bathroom. Make sure rooms are well-lit, and place items you use often within easy reaching distance.
Use hands-free carrying methods. Use a backpack, basket, fanny pack, pockets or an apron to ensure you have both hands free for walking.

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15541-how-to-use-a-cane

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/how-to-use-crutches-canes-and-walkers/

Best Walkers for Seniors to Improve Balance

7 Best Easy Comforts Walkers for Elderly People

When you’re unsteady on your feet and in danger of a fall, a good walker is a must. Easy Comforts offers a wide range of walkers for elderly people that help keep them steady on their feet and improve their balance. That way, seniors can stay active and mobile and maintain their independence while still getting the vital exercise that walking affords.

Check out the best walkers for seniors from Easy Comforts. We offer walkers and rollators to fit a variety of needs.

Easy Rise Walker: This is a great walker for those who need a little help getting to standing from a sitting position, but it’s also a sturdy aid for getting around the house, store, outdoors or virtually anywhere. Use the lower bars to get up from the toilet, couch or wherever you’re seated, then use the upper rails with sturdy grips for getting around. Our Easy Rise Walker is made of lightweight aluminum. It supports up to 300 pounds and folds up easily for transport and storage.
Walker with Wheels: If you want to move little faster than you might with a standard walker that does not have wheels, you might choose our Walker with Wheels. This lightweight aluminum walker features 5-inch fixed front wheels that glide as the senior walks. It’s lightweight — just 7 pounds — and folds up easily for storage. The height adjusts from 32 to 39 inches. This walker supports up to 300 pounds.
EZ Fold N Go Walker: This is one of our sturdiest walkers. It supports up to 400 pounds, yet weighs just 8 pounds and is made of lightweight aluminum. The 6-inch front wheels swivel to make turns smoother, but they also lock into place easily to help keep you steady. A two-pocket organizer is included – customize its color with your choice of black, blue or rose.
Aluminum Lite 4-Wheel Rollator: This affordable rollator option has 6-inch wheels and includes a wire storage basket at the bottom. You’ll be able to get around smoothly and quickly, and apply the brakes when you need to stop. What’s more, you can use the seat to rest when necessary. Choose from four colors.
Aluminum Bariatric Rollator: This heavy-duty rollator supports up to 500 pounds and features a hand brake lever and brake cable adjustment. Adjust the height to seven different levels for maximum comfort. This is great for walking indoors or outside.
Upright Rollator: Supporting up to 300 pounds, this rolling walker features 8-inch rear wheels and 10-inch front wheels for maximum support. The upholstered arm cushioning provides optimal comfort. There’s also a seat function and detachable storage bag for your convenience.
Trust Care Let’s Shop Outdoor Rollator: For those intent on getting into the great outdoors and maintaining ultimate independence, this top-of-the-line rollator features large wheels, a rear locking brake system and lightweight construction. This model also features a waterproof storage bag, so you can take whatever you need with you.

If you’re looking for additional mobility aids, Easy Comforts can also help with walker accessories, walker glides, folding canes and more. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

10 Must-Have Mobility Daily Living Aids

If you’re looking to stay mobile and active — and aren’t we all? — Easy Comforts has the senior mobility aids you need. Here are our top 10 mobility daily living aids to help keep you independent, active and on-the-go.

Fashion Folding Cane: This convenient folding cane will help keep you on the move. It features a contoured handle, wrist strap and rubber tip for maximum traction. Supporting up to 250 pounds and adjusting from 32 ½ to 37 inches, it also sports one of four stylish designs. Choose from black-and-white checks, polka dots or two floral patterns.
Wheelchair/Walker Saddlebag: Conveniently stash all your stuff to take with you in this seven-pocket saddlebag. It fits easily over a walker or wheelchair, and it’s also machine washable.
Walker Coasters: Stay active with this set of two walker coasters, enabling walkers to easily maneuver over multiple types of surfaces. The sturdy plastic construction and O-ring for securing coasters in place make these coasters invaluable for anyone using a walker.
Easy Grip Reacher: Avoid bending and over-reaching with this handy grip reach tool. It extends your reach by 31 inches and enables you to use your full hand strength to grab objects weighing up to 5 pounds.
Off-Road Walker Kit: Enjoy walking on any surface with this off-road kit. Simply secure the wheels to you walker’s front legs, and you can take on grassy surfaces, dirt paths and more. The legs adjust from 6 to 13 inches for your convenience.

Portable Help Step: Use this durable step around your apartment or home to reach high shelves, get in and out of vehicles and more. It adds 4 inches of height and folds flat, with a built-in carry handle for maximum portability.
Walker Basket: Fit this vinyl-coated steel basket onto your walker, and easily carry around your purse or other belongings. It measures 16 inches by 7 inches and is 5 ½ inches deep. The hook-and-loop fasteners allow you to fit it inside or outside your walker — whichever works best for you.
Handy Cane Seat: Don’t let reduced mobility get in the way of going places. Use this handy cane with a fold-down seat that supports up to 250 pounds. Unfold the cane to create a three-legged stool and rest on the seat when you need to. This is great for taking to craft fairs, shopping malls, concerts and more.
Portable Ramp: Need an incline to get up stairs or curbs? This portable ramp provides a traction surface and supports up to 600 pounds, so you can easily use it as a wheelchair or walker ramp.
Easy Rise Walker: Maintain your independence with this walker, specially designed to help you stand up from a sitting position with confidence. Lower and upper rails provide support when sitting or standing. This walker supports up to 300 pounds.

For more information about improving mobility for seniors and staying active, check out our mobility blogs. Easy Comforts also offers a wide range of other daily living aids like bed accessories, reading and vision aids, kitchen and eating aids and more.

How to Plan Unique Activities for Seniors in the Springtime

Springtime Activity Ideas for Seniors

Spring is a great time to get active, especially as the days start to get longer and warmer. Easy Comforts has some great activity ideas for seniors. Check out these unique activities for seniors to do in the spring.

Enjoy gardening or visit botanical gardens. There’s nothing like nurturing a plant and watching it grow to boost your mood. Spring a great time to get out the gardening equipment and plant something, even if it’s just in pots that sit on a patio. However, not everyone has a green thumb. A good alternative is to visit local botanical gardens and see what’s blooming there.

Senior woman smiling and touching flowers

Cheer on local teams. Seniors who love sports can really get into a professional or minor league baseball or softball game. Maybe there’s even a budding athlete in the family to cheer on. Even if seniors don’t know anyone on the team, they might enjoy watching a school basketball or tennis game. This is a great way to get out of the house.
Take a hike. Visit a local nature trail, park or even a fun neighborhood, and just take a walk. You’d be amazed how much good fresh air and sunshine can do for the mind and body. If a senior is wheelchair bound, you might search for wheelchair-accessible trails in the area.
Have a day at the park. Pack up a picnic lunch, some balls, a frisbee and maybe even a hula hoop, and spend the day outdoors. Spring is a great time to get active and enjoy some time outside.

Hit a local farmer’s market. Spend time outdoors and get your fruits and vegetables at the same time! Spring is typically the start of farmer’s market season for local farmers who carry produce and plants. Look up some nearby markets and explore.
Find a live show. Live theater and concerts abound in most areas. Explore what’s available and grab some tickets. Local senior centers may even offer bus tours, so seniors can enjoy the ride and socialize with others on the way there.
Feed the birds. Spring is a great time to make or buy a bird feeder. They attract many birds in all seasons, and the birds are fun to watch.
Take some photos. You can find a local photography class to take, or just find a pretty outdoor spot where you can experiment with photography. Your beautiful photos will provide long-lasting memories you can relive even when the weather turns blustery.
Visit a local farm. Many farms offer tours — either guided or unguided. Check the newspaper or do an online search to find out what’s available in your area. You may find berry or apple picking farms or petting farms. Both kinds are great to explore.
Do some cleaning. This might not sound like fun, but spring is a great time to clean your living space. Organize belongings, donate what’s no longer needed and make space for new things. Creating an organized space and freeing oneself from clutter can provide a great sense of accomplishment.

Take a drive. This activity is great for almost all seniors, including those with limited mobility. Choose a destination — maybe something an hour or so away — and take a day trip. You can go for lunch or dinner, see a show, do some shopping or just cruise through an old neighborhood.