Florida is one of the most popular states for seniors due to its perfect balance of social opportunities and recreational activities. It’s also one of the best places to be if you want to start your weekend off in a unique way.
Florida also offers a wide range of housing options from 55+ communities to nursing homes and assisted living facilities all of which often host events for seniors. The thing is, if you’re a senior living in Florida, you can easily branch out and find new things to do not just on Fridays but any day.
Let’s talk about some of the top things that should be on your to-do or to-try list to kick-start your weekend.
1. A Beach Day in Florida Doesn’t Have to Be Typical
Going to the beach is one of the best ways to get a boost of vitamin D in your system which is an essential nutrient for both physical and mental health.
A trip to the beach, believe it or not, can also help reduce depression and boost self-reported mood. There are a number of things you can do to make your time at the beach even more enjoyable, including taking part in a few fun activities hosted by nearby clubs, marinas, or specific cities. For seniors living in Florida, a beach day could mean time with grandchildren, a sand castle competition against your neighbors, a solo picnic or even doing something that you’ve never done before.
Keep in mind, there are often discounts for seniors when you rent things like paddleboards, jet skis, or surfboards, so it’s not difficult to find something new to do at the beach even if you go every day of the week.
2. Go Boating or Kayaking
Kayaking is a low-impact, full-body exercise that tones arms, increases strength, and improves cardiovascular health. It’s also a fun way to connect with the outdoors and bond with your loved ones. It’s even a good sport to get into considering that there are multiple clubs and summer activities dedicated to competitive boating and kayaking throughout Florida.
Florida is home to a variety of kayaking adventures, from tranquil tannic rivers and serene lakes to remote islands, and rivers that go through forest areas. Whether you’re paddling solo or guiding the family, or your friends, you’ll never be bored in the Sunshine State.
3. Go Hiking on 1 of the 2,422 Hiking Trails in Florida
Hiking is a low-impact activity depending on the level of trail that you do. Hiking is also a great way to help seniors meet their exercise needs. It even offers numerous wellness benefits that can improve health and general well-being.
In addition to physical fitness, hiking can also provide seniors with a chance to spend time in nature, which has been proven to have many benefits for the mind. Turning a hike into a nature walk is a good way to include others on your outing as well. Getting outside and doing activities like this can help to reduce stress and signs of depression. It can also be a great way to bond with your grandchildren.
Also, Florida is a lot larger than many would think and hiking is a good way to see more of the state that you live in and could become a great addition to your goals list. Using a mobile app like All Trails is a good place to start and will even allow you to filter your searches for trails by location, distance, intensity, and sights along the way.
4. Go Shopping along the Beach or More Inland
Going shopping is a great way for seniors to get out and socialize. It can also offer a number of wellness benefits. Shopping actually helps the center of the brain responsible for releasing dopamine to emit those feel-good hormones. Florida has exactly 10,843 shopping malls and this number doesn’t include outlets or small shops.
If you want to spend a Friday having some retail therapy as a senior, there are ways to tap into the general enjoyment and wellness factors associated with shopping without wasteful impulse buying. Plus, it’s a great way to get fresh air and sunlight, and even support local businesses.
5. Go to a Museum
Visiting a museum is a great way to keep your mind active and to make new memories. This activity can also help to promote wellness and longevity and what’s great is that there are more than 500 museums throughout the state of Florida, giving Florida seniors a lot to choose from.
What’s even better is that many museums offer special discounts for seniors and this is even something that you could spend your Fridays doing with grandchildren or other family members.
6. New York Isn’t the Only Place to See a Show
Broadway isn’t just exclusive to New York. Seniors can easily see a Broadway show in Florida. A few places that you could try are;
- Broadway Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale
- Au-Rene Theater (traveling Broadway shows)
- The Parker Playhouse
- Walt Disney Theater
- Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts in Jacksonville
If you enjoy music or plays, attending a concert or a production is a great way to experience a variety of different styles. It’s also a great way to find new artists and bands that you love. As a senior, music is both enriching and relaxing and it’s a good way to reduce stress. Not to mention, attending shows can help reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone associated with heart disease and diabetes.
7. Go on a Mission Trip
You don’t have to go too far to participate in a mission trip if you don’t want to. In fact, you can coordinate a mission opportunity in one day. As a senior living in Florida, you could partner with a local church through Praying Pelican Missions, coordinate something with your own church, or if you want to take a trip, you can partner with an organization that hosts short and long-term missions overseas.
If you’re looking for a way to strengthen your spiritual life and impact the world, consider doing something like this with family, friends, or even your neighbors. It can be a life-changing experience that leaves you changed and inspired.
A mission trip can be costly, but it can also be tax-deductible. Be sure to research your options for financing and prepare accordingly if you’re interested in something like this. Another option would be to volunteer for a day or to make it a weekend tradition.
8. Did You Think That Science Centers Were Just for Kids?
You might have heard of Silver Sneakers but have you heard of Silver Science Days? If you live in West Palm Beach, FL, you can take advantage of the perks that the Cox Science Center and Aquarium have to offer. If you have an interest in marine science and astronomy, you’ll have a great time visiting this place.
Not to mention, for seniors living in Florida, you will notice that not only will you get to view a planetarium show but you’ll also receive complimentary mini golf along with access to more than 100 exhibits and all for $10.
This is a deal exclusive for seniors so make sure you take advantage of it when it’s offered on the second Wednesday of every month. Be sure to check the Cox Science Center website for specific dates as this deal can change at any time. Keep in mind that many science centers have deals specifically for seniors so you can always look for one closer to you.
A Way to Make Fridays in Florida Last
Weekends are supposed to be fun and relaxing and dedicated to doing things that bring you joy or that lessen your load for the following week. Florida has a lot to offer for seniors interested in trying something different and if you think about it, with everything there is to do, you could make it a habit to do something exciting or out-of-the-box every day.
If you’re a senior living in Florida, take advantage of your surroundings and realize everything that you have access to.
