Friends and every member of the family can experience joy, indulge in good food, and make lasting memories when they picnic with other seniors and family members. Particularly if attendees will include retirement age individuals and older, special considerations may need to be made. It all depends on the individuals in question.
Things may be easier and run smoother if the picnic takes place in your own backyard. This does not rule out, however, picnicking in a park or other community location. In addition to the physical aspects of your picnic, special considerations may need to be made where diet is concerned, as well.
Let’s look at a few ways in which you can better guarantee a successful picnic with your retirement age loved ones.
Weather Preparations
Hopefully, mother nature will cooperate with you and give you a day that’s warm, but not too hot. Thunderstorms will hopefully stay away, and winds will be limited to a mild breeze.
Make sure there is a shady place under which people can get out of the sun. What’s more, have plenty of liquids on hand so no one gets dehydrated. If it’s an exceptionally warm day, have a cooler with ice packs in it and loose ice to keep drinks cold.
Menu Planning
As mentioned earlier, special preparations may need to be made where diet and/or food selections are concerned. Diabetics must watch their sugar intake, as well as keep an eye on other things they eat. A no salt/low salt or a no fat/low fat diet may also be recommended for some individuals. Keep allergies in mind, as well. Be familiar with all the dietary restrictions of anyone attending your picnic.
You can’t go wrong with easy-to-eat finger foods. Think about cheese and crackers, bowls of fruit, watermelon slices, etc. Keep in mind that corn on the cob and other items that are hard to bite may not be easily managed by some people.
Activities and Entertainment
Particularly physically demanding activities are fine for the grandchildren, but where older adults are concerned, not so much. They may be thoroughly entertained, however, watching the grandchildren wear themselves out. Consider bringing a source of background music, outdoor adaptable board games and/or card games, and more. Then again, you all may just opt to sit back and relax, breathe in the fresh air, and relish the cool breeze. Let the kids run around!
Seating
If the picnic takes place in your backyard, you likely have lawn chairs, chaise lounges, and more. If you’re going to be at a park, there may be a picnic bench. Make sure the seating is comfortable and easily used by people whose physical dexterity may be limited. If wheelchairs will be part of your picnic, make sure the area can be easily accessed.
Dining Opportunities Are Nutritious and Delicious at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh!
Though the residents at Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh can enjoy a chef-prepared, delicious and nutritious meal three times a day – courtesy of our Sensations Dining program – there’s nothing wrong with appreciating nature, getting a little fresh air, and socializing with others at an outdoor picnic. In fact, it’s a great idea!
If you need assistance arranging a place for your picnic, and transportation to and from, contact our Expressions Concierge service, who will, in turn, make arrangements with our Connections Transportation program. Leave the driving to us.
