Although Washington has a well-known reputation for rain, our best kept hidden secret is the Washington Summer.
After all the rain, Summer offers a welcome reprieve. Often mild in temperatures with little rain, Summer here in Washington is one of the best times of the year.
Beyond the weather, one of our favorite things about Summer in Washington is the wide variety of outdoor activities you can do. From beach and lake trips to hiking, camping, biking, mountain exploring and everything in between. There’s a Summer activity for everyone in Washington.
For many though, a well-planned summer picnic with a scenic view tops the list. Which is why the American Bakers’ Association named July, National Picnic Month in 1952.
Although National Picnic Month has only been around since 1952, the practice of picnics actually dates to 1692, when according to historians, Tony Willis first coined the term “picnic”. Since then, people from all walks of life and social classes have been fascinated with the concept of eating outside.
If all this talk of picnics is making you want to pack a basket and find a new spot, you’ll want to keep reading to learn our 8 tips for a successful Senior Summer Picnic.
Tip 1: Dress in Layers
Temperatures during the Summer in Washington can vary greatly. To make sure you senior is prepared for a hot summer afternoon and the cool summer night that often follows, make sure they dress in multiple layers.
Tip 2: Pick Your Meal
Picking the right food for your picnic is critical and will greatly depend on the location. Since lugging around coolers or warming devices is quite difficult, we recommend to sticking with food that holds well at room temperature. However, if a backyard picnic would be easier for your loved one, your food options are not quite so limited.
Tip 3: Don’t Forget the Entertainment
While the food is one of the main reasons to hold a picnic, the other is to enjoy some outdoor entertainment. Don’t forget to grab a book, radio, or fun card game to play before or after your meal.
Tip 4: Location, Location, Location
If you plan on taking your senior to a picnic beyond the backyard, we recommend considering the ease of accessing that location with your senior loved one. Is there a good walking path? Where will they sit? Is the terrain even? Is there a bathroom close by? All of these are important things to consider when planning your senior summer picnic.
Tip 5: Drinks! Don’t forget the Drinks.
A classic picnic blunder is forgetting to pack enough beverages. The hot sun will make you and your senior thirsty so make sure you pack plenty of hydrating fluids such as water or sports drinks.
Tip 6: Sunscreen Up!
Any time you take your senior outside during the Summer, it is important to make sure they use sunscreen. We recommend using sunscreen with an appropriate amount of SPF as well as a hat.
Tip 7: Watch Out for Heat Sickness
Enjoying activities outside during the Summer can go from fun to dangerous in a matter of minutes due to the heat. Before you take your senior outside for a picnic, we recommend brushing up on your heat illness knowledge. Having an idea of what to look out for will help reduce their risk of serious heat sickness.
Tip 8: Have Fun!
We know that planning a successful senior summer picnic can be a lot of work. So, remember, have fun! Enjoy these great memories you get to make with your senior loved one.
We hope these tips help keep you plan the best summer picnic for your senior loved one. As always, if you care for an elderly loved one and would like help developing a care plan of any kind, please feel free to contact us. We can help your family establish a care plan to personally accommodate your loved one’s needs.
Click here to request your free care assessment.