While you might have a busy social calendar, for many older adults they don’t get the opportunity to get out and about as much as they might have when they were younger. This might be because of illness, injury, mental health or any other number of things. Regardless of the reasoning behind an older adult’s tendency to spend more time at home, what it means is that there is often an added pressure for any outings they do go on to be extra special. This is of course a stress on the individual in question, but also on you, if you are the one planning this outing.
Thankfully we’re here to help you out today with tips and tricks to make the perfect spring outing go off without a hitch. Even if you’re not someone who likes to do a lot of planning in your everyday life, this might be a good time to make an exception. Organization and scheduling can make a world of difference when you’re spending time with an older adult, and can help you feel prepared for any possibility.
Have a Chat
Although you likely know your loved one well, it can still sometimes be easy to get caught up with our own ideas of what makes a nice outing, instead of considering that our loved one might prefer a different experience. That’s why it’s so important to have a chat with your loved one ahead of time to find out what kind of excursion they’d like to have. They might want to have a busy day of shopping and exploring the city, or they might prefer something much more lowkey like a walk in a local park followed by a quiet coffee. Don’t assume you know what they’d like. You can certainly suggest options based on their preferences, but don’t push something on them if they don’t appear interested, this is about making a positive memory for them, so focus on whatever they’d like to do the most.
Check Timing
Nothing puts a damper on an outing like realizing the spot you wanted to go to isn’t open on the day you go to visit! Thankfully, company websites and Google makes it easier than ever to check the opening hours of museums, cafes, restaurants and anywhere else you might want to visit. Even if you are confident that where you’re going is open it’s always good to double check. It might be the odd time that cafe you like is closed for a staff meeting, or the zoo is closed for a wedding! You just never know. To play it safe you can call directly or check Instagram, which is where a lot of companies will post about special exceptions to their regular hours.
You’ll also want to check out the schedule for public transit if that’s the way you’re going to be getting around. You don’t want to end up waiting for 30 minutes at a stop, or discover that the bus you were going to take doesn’t run on Sundays! This kind of planning might seem tedious, but it only takes a few minutes and will help to make your outing a success.
Check the Weather
Of course there’s no way to fully predict the weather, but generally weather stations do have a pretty good idea! While April and May are gorgeous months in some states, in others it can really fluctuate, and a spring snowstorm might very well be on the table. While you might be used to unexpected weather, it’s important to take the predictions into consideration when planning your day. Your loved one might not be as comfortable going out in rain or snow, and if you’re planning on spending time outside then you’ll want to make sure you have all the appropriate gear to keep you safe, comfortable and warm. Check out PCMag for a list of some of the most reliable weather apps.
Plan Breaks
While your loved one might be eager to have a jam packed day, it’s also very likely that they are going to need time to recharge between activities, so it’s important to not only plan strategic breaks, but also be sure to check in and be flexible enough to take breaks whenever needed. Here’s a few things to think about when planning breaks:
- Build them into your schedule. A break doesn’t have to look like a break, because some people might be resistant to the idea of needing a break. Insead make time to grab a coffee or a treat where you can sit down and relax, or build a meal right into your day.
- Pack snacks and water. Even if you’ve put aside time to eat, you never know when blood sugar might run low. To ward off drops in energy be sure to bring a bag with granola bars, fruit or other snacks, along with a couple of bottles of water. Family Food on the Table offers up some other great on-the-go snack ideas.
- Be aware of seating. Call locations ahead of time to find out how much seating is available. Some museums and attractions have lots of benches or chairs, but others might have little or even none at all. It’s good to know in advance so you can decide whether or not that venue is right for you and your loved one.
- Be ready to call it. Gentle explain to your loved one that the day can end whenever they want. If something is missed it can be visited another day. It’s not worth continuing if something is too exhausting. Always better to enjoy whatever their energy allows.
Breaks will help you and your loved one recharge, so it’s very important you scatter lots throughout the day. It’s amazing what a few bites of a granola bar and a sip of water can do!
Have a Backup Plan
Even the best laid plans can go awry – that’s why it’s a good idea to have a backup! Just as someone planning an outdoor wedding likely has a backup venue indoors, or at the very least a really good tent, it’s always a good idea to have a few backup options up your sleeve just in case one of your plans falls through. And, even if everything is running smoothly, your loved one might have a change of heart. This could be especially true if they’re suffering from something like anxiety and might find it challenging to be in social situations. Even if you don’t end up using a backup plan, it’ll show your loved one how much you care about them having an enjoyable experience, and it’ll take a little bit of the stress off of you because you’ll know that no matter what you’ll be able to have a great day.
Pack the Essentials
Along with snacks and water, it’s important to pack anything else that your loved one might need throughout the day. This includes sunscreen, extra layers, medication, a first aid kit, emergency contact info, a backup phone charger and anything your loved one might require for any medical devices that they’ll be bringing with them. It’s also a good idea to make sure that they have a copy of your number and emergency contacts in the unlikely situation that the two of you are separated.
Double Check Dietary Needs
While it’s very likely that you’re already aware of your loved one’s dietary needs, it’s always a good idea to check in prior to your outing to make sure you’re remembering any specific dietary needs or allergies and what kind of accommodations need to be made for them. Someone who’s diabetic or dealing with high blood pressure or cholesterol will likely require a specific kind of meal, while someone with celiac disease or a severe allergy might not be able to eat at restaurants that serve their allergen. Remember, this is about your loved one, so even if this means that you’re eating at a restaurant that’s not your favorite, it’s important to prioritize their needs. They’ll appreciate you finding a spot that’s safe and delicious so that they can enjoy their meal without worrying about their health. If you’re unsure about the policies and procedures at a restaurant it’s always a good idea to call in advance to see if they have good options for your loved one.
Think About Energy
If you’re planning an all day or afternoon outing you’ll want to plan for the inevitable energy drop. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan the more labor intensive activity, such as a walk, a visit to a museum right after a meal and earlier in the day, so after breakfast or lunch. Then you can finish up with a meal which gives your loved one time to relax and recharge. Of course, breaks will also help boost energy, but you still don’t want to plan a slow morning followed by something that requires a lot of energy, as it’s very likely that the energy will dip later in the day.
Check Local Events
Your loved one might have a specific idea for an outing in mind, but they also might simply tell you what they like, or ask you to surprise them completely. So, for inspiration, you can check out what events are running in the newspaper, a local magazine, or even search “events in my area” online and input the dates you’re looking for. There are often local markets, concerts and craft fairs that are only around for a couple of days, and visiting one can be a lovely way to pass an afternoon.
You can also contact your local seniors’ center to find out what activities are happening there, or see if they have a bulletin board where community members post flyers advertising special events.
Don’t Let Money Stop You
If you’re tight on cash but want your loved one to have an enjoyable experience, don’t fear! There are so many ways to have a great day without spending a lot of money. Here are some ideas:
- Arts and crafts. Go to the dollar store and pick up a few affordable items like markers, stickers and paper and have a craft day! You can find out what sort of crafts your loved one would most like to do beforehand and then make sure that you stick within a certain spending limit.
- Make your own pizzas. If going out is not an option, why not make your meal fun by doing something like setting up a pizza station? Yes, you’ll still have to spend a little on food, but not nearly as much as you would going out to a restaurant. You can make dough at home, or even do individual pizzas on naan or pita. Set up sauce, cheese, pepperoni and a few veggies and let your loved one choose their own toppings! This could also be done with something like pasta, sandwiches, ice cream sundaes, and salads.
- Movie night. Going out to the movies is expensive, but it’s a lot more affordable, and comfortable, at home! Bring out the foot rests and blankets, pop some popcorn, grab some candy and choose a movie to watch together. You can even set up a little concession stand and make pretend tickets! This is a fun way to watch a movie that’s also a lot more relaxed. You can pause to use the washroom or grab another popcorn whenever you want! If you don’t have a streaming service, get in touch with your local library, they often rent movies or sometimes even have some available to stream online.
- At-home workout class. YouTube is filled with fun and energetic workout classes that you can do from the comfort of home. Choose something fun like zumba or a dance workout and reward the effort by finishing off with a homemade smoothie. You can also make homemade gatorade by putting a pinch of salt and sugar in water with a dash of lemon or lime. Make sure to taste it first to make sure you’ve got the balance right!
With all of the tips above it should be a breeze to plan the perfect spring outing with your loved one. Once everything is in motion, try not to stress too much. Yes, you might want everything to be perfect, but there’s a good chance that what is most important to your loved one is quality time with you, so don’t forget to be present. Instead of thinking about what’s happening next be sure to sit with them, make eye contact and listen. Don’t push them to do too much if they’re tired, and be sure to make it known that spending time with them is what is most important to you as well. Here’s to a wonderful adventure and a brand new season!
