Try These Low-Impact Outdoor Activities for Seniors This Summer

The benefits of regular exercise range from improved sleep and better moods to a decreased risk of many common diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. But staying active can be challenging for older adults. Take advantage of the sunny weather to explore fun, low-impact outdoor activities, and get moving over the summer months.

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Explore Potomac Falls

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Living in Falcons Landing puts you close to the Potomac Falls community as well as parks, shopping areas and the Potomac River. The warm weather is the perfect time to explore the region.

You might want to start at Algonkian Regional Park, which is less than 5 minutes away from our gates. It offers 838 acres of natural spaces to wander through, including wooded areas and open fields.

With paved and natural surface trails, you can choose where to hike based on your energy level on any given day. Dogs are welcome if they stay leashed, so bring your canine companion along for company. A picnic lunch lets you enjoy the fresh air, or rent a boat and relax on the water.

If you want a change of scenery, other nearby parks include Seneca Regional Park and Elizabeth Mills Waterfront Park. You can also take a day trip to Washington, D.C., to walk along the National Mall or seek out the lesser-known attractions of the nation’s capital.

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Hit the Golf Courses

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Retirement gives you the time to perfect your golf game, and the Potomac Falls area has some great courses for you to play. Take advantage of blue skies to step onto the local fairways and lower your handicap.

If you don’t want to stray too far from home, Algonkian National Park has an 18-hole golf course that measures almost 7,000 yards. If you're happy to travel further afield for an excellent game, consider Raspberry Falls, Westfields or 1757 Golf Club.

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Visit National Parks

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National parks in the area may not be the size of Yosemite or Yellowstone, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth checking out. Each has natural or historical significance that makes them a must-see. If you have grandkids visiting over the summer, add these parks to their itinerary.

The largest in the area is Great Falls National Park, with 800 acres of wilderness along the Potomac River. Six trails are available to hike, and you can take in the beautiful Mather Gorge, where the river crashes over rocks and cliffs. Theodore Roosevelt Island is another one for nature lovers, with woods and swamps to explore on the doorstep of Washington, D.C.

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Get Out Your Green Thumb

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Summer is when the crops are ripening and flowers are blooming. Whether you’re already an accomplished gardener or want to start digging in the dirt, summer is a great time to get planting. You don’t need a large plot of land to get enjoyment from a garden. The Independent Living Cottages and Terrace Homes at Falcons Landing have outdoor spaces where you can create a potted garden. Plant flowers to add extra color to your home, or cultivate an herb garden to bring extra flavor to your meals.
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Schedule a Visit

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Falcons Landing has plenty of outdoor activity options in our community and the surrounding area. Contact us to arrange a tour and learn what we can bring to your retirement.