Though Chicago is known for its more temperate summers, there will still be days when the heat reaches intense levels. On these hot summer days, spending too much time outside isn’t safe—especially for older adults, who are more prone to heat-related illnesses. Staying indoors can be a great time to relax and explore fun activities.
Here are some fun indoor activities for seniors to beat the summer heat and stay cool and comfortable during the warmest summer months.
Have a spa day
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to pamper yourself, a hot day indoors is the perfect opportunity. First, decide what part of your body you want to focus on—your face, feet, or even your whole body—then gather any products you’ll need. If you’re concerned about how certain skincare or body care products may affect you, check with your healthcare provider before using them.
To make the day even more special, invite some family and friends over for a relaxing spa afternoon. It’s a perfect way to unwind and share a fun, soothing experience together.
Enjoy your indoor hobbies
If you have a favorite craft or hobby like painting, knitting, or even indoor gardening, take advantage of your time indoors to focus on it. Set aside a block of time to really enjoy the process without any guilt or distractions. Practicing a hobby, especially one that produces a product, helps increase seniors’ confidence, concentration, motivation, and even their hand-eye coordination skills.
Host a movie marathon
During the hottest points in the day, the last thing you want is to spend a lot of time moving around. So, use that period of the day to host a movie marathon. Turn off the lights,close the blinds (which will also help keep your house cool!) and put on your favorite movies. Similarly, you could make a day of it by inviting loved ones and turning the event into a potluck.
Invite people for a game night (or day)
You likely already know how beneficial card and board games are to the cognitive function of older adults. They encourage seniors to tap into their reasoning, logic, and problem-solving skills, all of which help build connections in the brain. Whether it’s Monopoly, Uno, or a friendly game of Black Jack, playing these games with a loved one is a great use of your time.
If you’d like, you can even play these games online with people across the world. Download them on your phone or tablet and give them a try.
Make a cold treat to enjoy
On a hot summer day, nothing beats a cold, refreshing treat. Try your hand at easy no-bake or frozen recipes that you can enjoy as the temperature rises.
Preparing and enjoying these treats is a fun way to stay cool and comfortable during the heat.
Stay Hydrated and Safe
While staying indoors helps you stay safe from extreme temperatures, it’s still essential to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re participating in activities like indoor gardening or moving around. Dehydration can sneak up on you, even when you’re inside, so keep water nearby at all times.
Join a Virtual Book Club
If you’re looking for a new way to stay connected and engaged during the hot summer days, consider joining a virtual book club. Many libraries, community centers, and even independent groups host online book clubs that allow you to discuss interesting reads from the comfort of your air-conditioned home.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to stay active socially, share thoughts with others, and make new connections, all while enjoying a good book. Plus, you can schedule discussions at your own pace, making it a relaxing yet mentally stimulating indoor activity.
For help at home, consider home care
You may be inclined to use your time at home to clean or do laundry, but as a senior, these can be exhausting tasks. Don’t let yourself be worn down but the activities of daily living. Instead, call upon the assistance of an at-home caregiver.
At Home Care Powered by AUAF, our caregivers are here to support you with various in-home care services to maintain your quality of life while you stay safe and comfortable at home. To learn more about our range of home care services, give us a call at 773-274-9262. We are happy to assist you.
