As people grow older, staying physically active can be difficult due to wear and tear on the body, but outdoor games and activities can help to solve that problem. Not only do they engage the body with low-impact exercise, they also engage the mind as well. In this article, I will provide 11 outdoor games for seniors that will activate both the body and mind of those looking for some fun. Activities range from traditional classics such as corn hole to more creative options like water balloon toss and scavenger hunts. No matter your level of mobility or skill set, you’ll find something in this list of outdoor games for seniors that you’ll love.
Benefits of outdoor games for seniors:
Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Outdoor activities provide a great way for seniors to stay active without having to go to the gym or use complicated fitness equipment. Not only do these activities provide an opportunity for physical activity, but they can also help to strengthen the mind and sharpen mental acuity.
Vitamin D: Spending time in the sun helps seniors get their daily dose of vitamin D which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Socialization: Outdoor activities are a great way for seniors to socialize, which can help them stay connected with their family, friends, and community.
In addition to above, physical activity can help seniors to improve cognitive function, reduce stress and depression levels, and lead to overall improved quality of life.
With these benefits in mind, let’s take a look at the top eleven outdoor games for seniors.
# Bocce Ball
One of the most popular outdoor games for seniors is bocce ball. This game can be played with two to eight players and requires minimal physical exertion. Bocce ball involves throwing a smaller target ball, called the pallino, down a court before taking turns tossing larger balls towards it. The game involves players or teams rolling balls back and forth on a court, trying to get their ball closest to a small target ball called the pallino. The team or player with a ball closest to the pallino wins points.
Bocce ball is indeed a fun game that can provide hours of entertainment for seniors. Not only does it require minimal physical effort, but it is also easy to learn and can be enjoyed by both experienced and novice players alike. Bocce ball has been around since the ancient Roman Empire and remains popular today because it is an incredibly social game that is perfect for seniors.
# Horseshoes
Another classic outdoor game for seniors is horseshoes. This game sees players throwing metal horseshoes at a stake in the ground. The aim is to get the horseshoe as close as possible to the stake without it touching any other object on its way there. Horseshoes are easy to set up and can be played with two or four players of all ages and abilities.
# Disc Golf
Also known as Frisbee golf, disc golf is a great outdoor game for seniors that doesn’t require any elaborate equipment. It involves throwing a frisbee into an elevated basket from varying distances on a course filled with trees and other obstacles. While disc golf can be played alone, it’s also a fun way to get together with friends and family for an afternoon of fun.
Disc golf is indeed a healthy sport that can provide many physical and mental benefits for seniors. Physically, it allows seniors to get some exercise while still enjoying the outdoors. The act of stretching to throw the disc and walking around the course provides great low-impact aerobic activity that is suitable for senior players. In addition, disc golf is a game of accuracy and skill, which helps to sharpen mental acuity.
# Croquet
Croquet is an enjoyable outdoor game that’s perfect for seniors who like to stay active. The game involves hitting balls with mallets through hoops that are set up on the ground. The objective is either to score points or to complete the course using as few shots as possible. One great thing about croquet is that it can be played in various outdoor areas, ranging from small backyards to bigger parks.
The game offers both physical and mental advantages. Seniors can use it as a low-impact way to remain active by stretching and walking around the playing field. Moreover, individuals of all ages and skill levels can partake in this game, making it a welcoming exercise that can unite loved ones.
# Badminton
Badminton is an ideal sport for seniors to play outdoors as it involves gentle physical exercise and can be played in both singles and doubles. It requires two people to hit a shuttlecock back and forth over a net using racquets, aiming to score points by keeping the shuttlecock from hitting the ground on their side of the court.
This is an enjoyable game that can be played in larger outdoor spaces like parks or beaches. It engages your entire body and mind, making it an ideal way to make the most of outdoor activities. To begin playing this game, all you need are players and a badminton set, which includes a shuttlecock. You can purchase a badminton set and shuttlecock from a nearby supermarket or from online stores such as Amazon or eBay.
# Corn Hole
Corn hole is a great outdoor game for seniors because it doesn’t require any physical activity. This game involves two teams of two players, and each team takes turns tossing bean bags into a board with a hole in the middle from varying distances. The aim is to get the most points by getting as many bean bags through the hole as possible before the other team. Corn hole is a great way to stay active while having fun with friends or family. It can be played on any flat surface, making it perfect for outdoor spaces such as lawns and patios.
For the activity, you need two corn hole boards and eight bean bags. You can buy these online from stores like Amazon or eBay.
# Ring toss
Ring toss is another classic outdoor game for seniors that is easy to set up and doesn’t require too much physical activity. This game involves throwing rings onto a peg or post from varying distances, aiming to get as many rings on the peg as possible. It’s a great way to pass time with friends and family while staying active outdoors. To begin playing this game, you need two or more players and a set of plastic rings. You can find these at most toy stores or online from stores like Amazon.
Ring toss is not only a fun game for seniors to play outdoors, but it also has many benefits. Physically, ring toss is a low-impact activity that doesn’t require any strenuous movements. This makes it ideal for seniors who may be physically limited or unable to engage in more strenuous activities. By playing this game, seniors can enjoy the outdoors while also engaging their minds, which can help to boost mental acuity.
# Bowls
Bowls, also known as lawn bowls, is one of the great outdoor games for seniors that can be played in any open area with flat grass. This game involves rolling or throwing weighted balls toward a small white ball called the jack. The aim is to get your ball closest to the jack than any other player’s ball without it touching another object.
This game provides seniors with a fun way to stay active and can be played either in singles or doubles. To start the activity, you will require a set of bowls that can be bought from most toy stores or online from websites, as well as two or more players.
# Pickle Ball
Pickle ball is a relatively new game that has gained popularity among seniors. This game is a combination of badminton, tennis and table tennis and involves two or four players hitting a plastic ball over a net with paddles. The aim of the game is to hit the ball so it lands within your opponent’s court without them being able to return it.
People tend to like pickleball more than tennis because it’s a much simpler game that requires less strenuous physical activity. It is also easier for beginners and seniors to learn compared to tennis, as the ball moves at a slower speed and the court size is smaller. Additionally, pickleball requires players of all ages and skill levels to move around the court in order to keep track of where the ball is going. This encourages people to stay physically active while having fun with friends or family members. Finally, playing pickleball outdoors can be more enjoyable than playing indoors due to its social factor – as people can chat outside between points unlike in a tennis match.
# Tennis
Senior citizens who have enough physical strength may find tennis to be a beneficial activity for both their body and mind. The game involves hitting a small rubber ball over a net with racquets, and two players are required to play. The objective is to score points by preventing the ball from touching the ground on their side of the court.
The game provides seniors with a great way to socialize and stay active outdoors while also boosting their mental acuity. Tennis is a fast-paced game that requires players to strategize and focus on their opponent’s movements in order to score points. This helps to keep seniors mentally alert while also providing a physical workout. Additionally, playing tennis outdoors allows people to soak up some vitamin D and enjoy the fresh air.
# Volleyball
Volleyball is an ideal outdoor game for seniors who are seeking a fun way to stay active. It is played by two or more teams, each comprising of at least two players, who take turns hitting a small rubber ball over a net in an effort to make it land on the opposing team’s side of the court.
Playing volleyball is a fun and effective way for seniors to stay physically active, improve coordination, and strategize while enjoying the outdoors. With two or more players, volleyball also offers a great opportunity for socializing. Moreover, seniors can benefit from fresh air and a dose of vitamin D from playing the game.
Engaging in one of the 11 outdoor games for seniors is an excellent way to remain active and enjoy yourself concurrently. These activities offer a chance to socialize with others while enhancing cognitive and physical dexterity. Prior to commencing any of these games, ensure that you have all the required equipment.
Before engaging in any outdoor games/activities, it is important to remember and follow the necessary safety measures as mentioned below:
- Wear proper shoes,
- Stretch before and after the game,
- Stay hydrated throughout the activity,
- Take breaks if needed and
- Avoid playing in extreme weather conditions.
In addition, please make sure to check your physical condition before engaging in any outdoor games or activities. If you have any concerns about your physical or mental abilities to participate in any of the games, please don’t hesitate to consult with your doctor.
I hope you enjoyed reading the article and found the best outdoor games that suit your needs. If you have any feedback, suggestions or recommendations for other exciting games that can benefit the physical and mental well-being of senior citizens, please do leave a comment below.
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