Spring is the light at the end of a tunnel of winter gloominess that seemed like it would never end! Well, now it has, but what to do in this delightful yet brief season? Here are 12 great springtime ideas specifically suited to senior living.

• Get outside and enjoy nature

Local parks, nature trails, or even just a friend or family member’s yard are a great place to hang out in the sunshine. This will help reduce stress, increase that all-important vitamin D intake, and allow you to breathe some of the fresh spring air!

• Be a tourist for the day

Do you live in a city or town with renowned tourist attractions but never seen them? Now is your chance! Springtime is the best time to beat the crowds and explore museums, local landmarks, and historical sites before the summer tourists crowd the place.

• Check out the local produce at a market

Markets are great places for checking out the local produce, having a conversation with local people, and generally soaking up the springtime buzz in the air. Why not head down to a local farmer’s market or flea market to have a look around or even get yourself a great deal?!

• Get gardening

Gardening is wonderful for your health. It keeps you fit, reduces stress, and can even provide you with fresh fruit and vegetables! Spring is the time to get planting so get your gardening gloves on and plant yourself a dream patch!

• Welcome the birds

Spring signals the return of many migrating bird species, and those that stayed throughout the winter are often busy building a nest or feeding their newly hatched young. Putting up a bird feeder is a brilliant way to help our little winged friends, and as a result, you’ll attract lots of interesting bird species right into your back yard.

• Take the chance to clean

Spring is synonymous with spring cleaning – probably because you can open your windows without catching frostbite for the first time in months! Although it may seem boring, spring cleaning is a good way to use your time, and you’ll feel less stressed and much better once it’s done.

• Eat outside

Summer can be very temperamental, one moment it can be too hot to go out and the next it’s blowing a blizzard! Sometimes summer doesn’t seem to arrive at all. Don’t wait for summer to arrive, make the most of the good weather and pack up a picnic and enjoy the chance to eat outside while you can!

• Go flower picking

In many places, flower picking is actually not encouraged and is sometimes even forbidden! This is because of the important role that flowers play in the delicate ecosystem of the great outdoors. Instead of picking flowers, why not go “modern” flower picking with a camera and take some great quality pictures of flowers in full bloom?!

• Go for a drive

America has some of the most famous highways in the world, and when you’re not stressed out about getting from A to B, they can actually be quite stunning. Take a drive out in the country – or even better, get a loved one to drive for you so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery!

• Go to the zoo

Springtime in the zoo is the best time to go because it’s when most animals give birth to their young! Make sure you visit in this brief period to see all the baby animals while they’re still at their cutest!

• Take a trip to the ocean

Crashing blue waves, unbroken sand as far as the eye can see, the light cooing of the seabirds – winter is gone, and the sun won’t last forever! Get to the ocean while you have the opportunity!

• Watch a live show

Of course, just because spring is here it doesn’t guarantee that the weather will be warm and dry. Have a back-up plan for when it rains. A great option is to go and see a theatre show or some live music!

Just because you’re in your senior years doesn’t mean you should miss out on all the great opportunities that springtime has to offer. Make the most of this change in the seasons by taking note of some of the ideas mentioned above!