Keeping Active During Summer

5 Ways to Keep Active in Nottingham This Summer

Introduction 

• Hot temperatures can make it harder for people to exercise as they get older 
• A small amount of physical activity is better than none
• Physical activity doesn’t have to be high-intensity workouts like the gym or runs
• Light activity still counts as exercise
• Follow our tips below to help keep your loved ones active 

 Why is exercise important for older people?

• Older people who exercise regularly can have an improved immune system and be less at risk to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s 
• Exercise can help improve the strength and tone of your muscles, meaning you’re less likely to fall and hurt yourself 
• Regular physical activity can keep your brain healthy and improve your mental wellbeing 
• 20 to 30 minutes of exercise a day can help keep your heart running as it should 
• As we age the risk of heart disease increases and 1 in 6 heart and circulatory diseases are associated with a high BMI (excess body weight) in the UK 
• Activities that work your cardiovascular system keep your brain healthy as well as your heart and lungs

Gentle activities you can do in Nottingham

Take a short stroll around Woodthorpe Park

• Walking is not just good for physical health but mental health as well 
• It is a great way to socialise 
• We’ve listed some of our favourite parks in Nottingham below:
• Woodthorpe Park/Wollaton Park/Arnot Hill Park

If taking your loved one out in the sun make sure they wear sun protection, there is plenty of shade for them to break under and always bring a water bottle 

Get the family together in Nottingham’s best cafes

• Social activities can be as beneficial to older people as physical ones
• Getting elderly friends/parents out the house for a coffee can keep their brains active
• If you have children bring them along as research shows that interactions between older people and children can keep help both parties learn and develop

3 Make it fun / Peak their interests 

• Summer activities don’t have to involve exercise. 
• As long as you are keeping their body and brain active many activities can be useful
• Draw on their hobbies and making it fun for them. 
• Things such as knitting, crafting and cooking can be great for motor skills and brain activity. 

4 Gardening in the morning or evening / Make the most of cooler mornings by gardening first thing / spend the evenings of hot days in the garden when it has cooled down 

• Gardening is a great way of keeping active but can be harder when the weather is hot
• Try to get out in the garden before 10am or after 6pm when temperatures are more manageable
• The activity will get their body moving and brain working 
• Gardening can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation 
• There are adaptive tools to make gardening easier for older people, such as arm grips and long reach hoes 
• Make sure there are still shaded spots in the garden to take any short breaks 

5 Do small things inside when the sun is at its hottest / stick to light activity in the house during the day / avoid the midday heat by staying inside in the middle of the day

• The hottest part of the day is between 11am – 3pm 
• It’s advisable to stay inside during these times, stay in a cool room and avoid strenuous activity
• There are little things you can do around the house that still count as exercise
• Light cleaning around the house e.g. dusting or sweeping 
• Making the bed
• Making cups or teas or healthy food 
• Seated exercises like leg raises, back stretches, twists or simply standing up and sitting down a few times an hour. They can improve motor skills and strengthen the body 
• Walking around the house 
• Take regular breaks and sit down when needed 
• When you call your loved ones remind them to move around the house

How Right at Home Nottingham North can help your loved ones keep active this summer

If you are based in Nottingham and feel that your parents or loved ones need a bit of extra support or encouragement to get moving, in-home care can be a great solution. Our CareGivers can offer companionship services that will help your loved ones keep moving and elevate some of the pressure you may feel. 

Companionship can offer Clients much-needed conversation and mental stimulation, as well as encourage them to get out and about or take part in hobbies. 

Visit our services page to see how else we could support your loved ones 

If you think we can help you or your loved one stay active this summer get in touch with our Nottingham North team today