Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and more opportunities to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. For older adults, staying active and engaged is essential to physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall happiness. But it’s also important to prioritise safety, especially during hot weather.
Here are 10 summer activities that are fun, stimulating, and safe for older adults, with suggestions for local outings around Woodford Green, Loughton, Chigwell, and Chingford.
- Morning nature walks
Early mornings are ideal for a gentle stroll before it gets too warm. Local ideas:
- Epping Forest – Loughton or Highams Park access offers peaceful trails, benches, and shaded woodland
- Roding Valley Nature Reserve has flat paths and lovely scenery
- Chingford Plain with open grassland near Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge
- Outdoor tea or lemonade socials
Set up a shaded garden tea table at home, or visit a local café with outdoor seating. Local spots:
- The Olive Tree Café, South Woodford has a peaceful terrace area
- The View café at Epping Forest Visitor Centre, Chingford is ideal for a light lunch or drink outdoors
- Gardening in raised planters
Gardening is a soothing and rewarding activity. For those without a garden, consider visiting:
- Bedford House, Buckhurst Hill you’ll find amazing gardening events and hundreds of other activities and courses
- Loughton Horticultural Society where you can check for open days or events
- The Chigwell Nursey, Chigwell is a friendly garden centre for browsing or light shopping
- Tabletop games on the patio
Dominoes, chess, or bingo outdoors brings a relaxing change of scenery. Or visit local community hubs such as:
- Chingford Mount Baptist Church offer weekly older person coffee mornings and socials
- Loughton Methodist Church often hosts afternoon gatherings or games
- Cooling foot baths or hand spas
Set up a spa-style station in the shade with essential oils and gentle towels. Bonus idea: Book a home visit from a local mobile therapist in Loughton or Chigwell, such as:
- The Mobile Beauty Therapist (Loughton-based) who offers foot and hand treatments at home
Regular monitoring to spot small changes early so you and your loved ones stay one step ahead.
- Ice cream tasting afternoon
Bring the parlour home, or enjoy an outing to:
- Café Belgique, Woodford Green is a favourite for ice cream and summer treats
- Arts and crafts with a Summer theme
Host a painting or crafting session with a seasonal theme. Community arts options:
- Lopping Hall, Loughton has a local arts hub with occasional workshops
- Epping Forest Arts in the Park hosts summer events may include intergenerational creative sessions
- Chair yoga or gentle stretching in the shade
Perfect in a garden, conservatory, or with a local instructor. You could try:
- Age UK Waltham Forest who offer wellbeing activities and may refer to local instructors
- Private instructors in Woodford or Chingford may offer gentle classes or home visits
- Watch a summer film matinée
Create your own indoor cinema or head to:
- Odeon South Woodford with accessible screenings available
- Loughton Library have the occasional free film afternoons or talks
- Listen to music outdoors
Play a favourite playlist in the garden or attend a relaxed local concert. Look out for:
- Chingford Assembly Hall and check listings for summer music and theatre
- Voluntary Action Epping Forest who often hosts music or tea dances for older adults
Summer is a wonderful time to make memories, enjoy nature, and connect with others. With a little planning, older adults can safely enjoy a season full of joy, comfort, and meaningful moments.
Small pleasures can bring the biggest smiles, especially when they come with sunshine and care. For more information about the quality visiting and live-in homecare services we offer, please get in touch today.