The COVID-19 availability of vaccines will substantially reduce the risks of serious side effects associated with the virus.
According to the CDC, if you are fully vaccinated, you can start doing many things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. Outdoor events and activities are still safer than indoor activities, but fully vaccinated people can safely participate in some indoor activities. When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location of the activity.
Do you need help finding the perfect nurse or caregiver to help you with new activities? We can connect you to a variety of caregivers. Whether you need home health aids or live in-person care, you can visit our services page to see how we can help you.
We’ve put together eight activities to do after getting vaccinated in Florida.
1. Host a Family Game Night Indoors or Outdoors
Invite your family members over for game night! You can get creative with your time together. You can host a casino night, ask everyone to bring their favorite board game, or have a classic trivia night, putting family members into teams and asking a range of questions.
You can also take the games outdoors, make your favorite snacks or drinks. Frisbee or cornhole is a great way to stay active and have fun at the same time! Cornhole is a lawn game in which players take turns throwing small bags of corn kernels at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. These are available to purchase online.
2. Have an Outdoors Barbecue
There’s nothing more comforting than a typical Barbecue with the family. Hot dogs, burgers, or vegetables on a grill. If you want to get creative, there are thousands of recipes online to try out. Don’t forget the corn-on-the-cob for a classic summer meal.
Consider sampling dishes from all over the world. You can marinate meat in spice mixes like za’atar and Chinese five-spice. Don’t forget to make some classic summer beverages like Arnold Palmers or lemonade.
3. Go Out for a Walk
Fresh air and sunshine can go a long way. Put on your shoes and head out for a walk.
You can go to a park. The state of Florida has eleven separate national parks you can visit for free. See natural wonders like the Big Cypress Swamp and historical monuments like the Castillo de San Marcos.
If you’re near a beach, head out and walk along the water. Bringing a basket with snacks might be a great way for a spontaneous picnic!
4. Go to a Museum
When was the last time you visited a history museum or an art museum? Museums are now open. Many are asking for reservations to keep their crowd sizes down.
Nearly all museums are asking patrons to wear masks inside and maintain social distancing. There may be exterior sections where you can take your mask off, but prepare to keep one on throughout your visit.
Museums may not be handing out audio guides or printed materials. Printing out a map might be helpful.
5. Visit a Nature Reserve
Nature reserves are great locations to bring the whole family. Children can play sports while adults can relax or hike. Adults and kids can join together to look at wildflowers or exotic animals.
You can find reserves by the water, or you can head inland. As with museums, you should check to see if you need to make reservations.
Some reserves offer special events. Organizations like the Sierra Club schedule walks and environmental programs in many locations. Check their website before heading out.
6. Engage in Active Learning
If you’re looking for senior activities, you can pursue active learning. Community centers offer plenty of free or cheap classes for a range of subjects. You can learn how to sing, speak another language, or program computers.
Many seniors struggle with isolation and loneliness. Classes provide a great opportunity to socialize and work together on projects.
The whole family can take a class together. Arts and crafts classes allow young and old people alike to learn how to paint, sew, and make sculptures. You can then take the art home.
7. Dine at a Restaurant
Many restaurants offer outdoor and indoor dining options. If you want to look out at the sky or natural environment, find a restaurant that provides outdoor seating.
Consider a restaurant that gets local ingredients from the community. Eating outdoors while looking at fields where plants were gathered adds an authentic touch to the meal.
8. Consider Companion Care
Are you ready to return to the activities you did before the pandemic, but don’t want to do it alone? Staying social but feeling safe at the same time might feel difficult at first.
Just Like Family Home Care’s services in Lee and Collier Counties can help seniors return to their favorite activities. Caregivers will accompany and drive you or your loved ones to community social events, the beach, the park, museums, or appointments. Caregivers can also engage with clients through mentally stimulating board games, cards, or puzzles.
Learn more about our Companion Care services here.