6 Father’s Day Activities To Do With Elderly Dads

Are you looking for Father’s Day activities to do with your elderly dad? You know he’s eager to get out of the house or his assisted living center, but outings can be daunting with an aging parent. No worries. We’ve got 6 ideas for Father’s Day Activities plus some tips on how to prepare for your outing.

6 Father's Day Activities for Elderly Dads-2

  1. Drive him to a friend’s house. One of the toughest aspects of senior life is when a person stops driving, and so do his friends. On Father’s Day, get your Dad out of the house and bring him to someone else’s. Call on an old friend, or his sibling, or someone he misses and just can’t see as often as he’d like.
  2. Go to a ball game. If your father loves America’s pastime, buy him tickets to a Major League game. If climbing the stadium stairs or sitting in uncomfortable seats is too much, find a local Little League game. Good baseball, is good baseball. So just enjoy the fresh air and time together. Then go find a hot dog stand.
  3. Treat him to a round of golf. If your father is healthy, why not enjoy a round of golf together? Just remember to rent a cart. If 18, or even 9 holes, are part of his past, you could always head to a miniature golf course.
  4. Take him to the beach. For housebound seniors, a tip to the shore can be invigorating. Find a beach with a boardwalk or paved parking lot (walking on sand can be hazardous) so your father can enjoy the salty air and sea breeze.
  5. Visit a microbrewery. Local brewing companies are popping up all over the country. A visit on Father’s Day will be less crowded, and probably more fun, than lunch at a noisy restaurant. Plus, you can send your father home with his own growler.
  6. Have a picnic in the park. Keep the day casual and low key and treat your father to a picnic in a local park. Bonus points if there is a playground nearby; seniors often enjoy watching kids at play.

Tips for a successful outing

  1. If your father lives in an assisted living facility or nursing center, make sure he signs in and out so the staff can keep track of his whereabouts.
  2. Don’t plan a long day. A couple of hours is perfect.
  3. Plan plenty of time for car transfers and slow walkers. No one has fun when they feel rushed.
  4. Make sure your father brings his cane or walker if he needs it.
  5. Pack sunscreen, water, a hat, and a jacket or sweater.
  6. Be mindful of meal times and medication schedules.
  7. Know where the restrooms are and don’t plan an outdoor outing away from a public facility.

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3 comments on “6 Father’s Day Activities To Do With Elderly Dads”

  1. Ligeia Reply

    Liz – this is a wonderful list of suggestions! So much truth and wisdom here, like being mindful of where the restrooms are! I love your site and so glad I found you!

  2. Pingback: What to Do with Dad on Father’s Day | Senior Health 101

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