Spending time outdoors offers countless benefits for seniors living with Alzheimer’s. Fresh air, sunlight, and the gentle stimulation of nature can help ease anxiety, lift mood, and even improve sleep patterns. Engaging in outdoor activities also provides valuable opportunities for physical movement, sensory engagement, and connection with others — all of which play an important role in maintaining quality of life as the disease progresses.
At Delmar Gardens, we believe that every day holds opportunities for joy and fulfillment. Many of our nursing homes are thoughtfully designed with courtyards, walking paths and vibrant landscaping that attract birds and other animals. We encourage our memory care patients to enjoy some fresh air, sunshine and socialization.
In this post, we’ll share 10 safe and fun outdoor activities that seniors with Alzheimer’s can enjoy — whether at home, or in a care community.
1) Spending Time Outdoors
Simply spending time outdoors, walking or relaxing, is one of the simplest yet most beneficial activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Fresh air, natural light, and the gentle stimulation of sights, sounds, and scents can help boost mood, promote relaxation, and support overall well-being. For individuals living with memory loss, familiar outdoor environments can also create a calming sense of routine and comfort.
At Delmar Gardens, our beautifully maintained outdoor spaces — including gardens, patios, and scenic walking areas — provide safe, welcoming environments where residents can enjoy nature, socialize, and experience the many benefits of being outside.
2) Gardening or Plant Care
Gardening is a hands-on activity that can spark joy and encourage gentle movement. Tasks like watering plants, planting flowers, or simply tending to a small garden bed can help seniors with Alzheimer’s feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment. The colors, textures, and scents of flowers and greenery also provide valuable sensory engagement that can boost mood and reduce stress.
Our vibrant gardens give residents the opportunity to connect with nature, whether by helping care for plants or simply enjoying the beauty around them. We provide gardening tools and staff assistance to ensure a safe experience.
3) Outdoor Music Sessions
Music has a unique ability to spark memories, lift spirits, and create emotional connections — even for seniors in the later stages of Alzheimer’s. Hosting a casual outdoor music session is a wonderful way to combine the therapeutic power of music with the calming benefits of fresh air. Whether it’s listening to a favorite playlist, singing along to familiar tunes, or enjoying a live performance, music can bring joy and a sense of togetherness.
At Delmar Gardens, our beautiful outdoor spaces provide the perfect setting for residents to engage in music therapy activities, sing-alongs, or simply relaxing to their favorite songs.
4) Modified Fishing
Fishing is a peaceful, rewarding outdoor activity that can help seniors with Alzheimer’s feel connected to nature and experience a sense of accomplishment. The simple, repetitive motions involved — like casting a line or reeling it in — can be soothing and meditative, offering both mental and emotional benefits.
Some activities must be adapted to fit the needs of our memory care residents. To make fishing accessible and safe for all residents, some Delmar Gardens communities offer a modified fishing experience. Using kiddie pools filled with water and magnetic poles to catch magnetic fish, residents can enjoy the fun and satisfaction of fishing without the challenges of managing a real pond.
5) Bird Watching
Bird watching is a peaceful and engaging activity that encourages seniors with Alzheimer’s to slow down and observe. Watching birds flutter by, listening to their songs, and noticing their colors and patterns can stimulate the senses and spark curiosity. It also serves as a gentle memory exercise, encouraging seniors to recall different bird species, colors, and sounds over time. This activity can be enjoyed alone or with a companion.
Our grounds attract a variety of birds, offering residents a chance to experience the beauty of local wildlife right outside their doors. To make the experience even more special, we also invite visits from local bird sanctuaries, giving residents the opportunity to enjoy up-close interactions with a variety of bird species in a safe and supportive environment. Adding bird feeders or bird baths around our communities makes bird watching even more accessible and exciting for everyone.
6) Outdoor Lunches
Sharing a meal outdoors can turn an ordinary day into a memorable experience. Outdoor lunches offer seniors with Alzheimer’s the chance to enjoy fresh air, delicious food, and social interaction in a relaxed setting. The sights, sounds, and smells of an outdoor picnic can spark positive memories of family gatherings and celebrations.
At Delmar Gardens, our residents have the option to enjoy a meal or special event outdoors when the weather is nice. Our beautiful green spaces provide the perfect backdrop for picnics, complete with shaded seating, easy accessibility and delicious meals provided by our chefs.
7) Outdoor Crafts & Games
Creative activities and games are a wonderful way for seniors to get outdoors and enjoy some beautiful weather. Setting up a table for easy crafts — like painting flower pots or assembling birdhouses — allows residents to express themselves while enjoying the fresh air. Likewise, lighthearted games such as ring toss, bean bag toss, or balloon volleyball encourage movement, laughter, and social interaction without requiring complicated rules or intense physical effort.
At Delmar Gardens, our spacious outdoor areas provide plenty of room for crafts and games that are inclusive to each resident’s abilities. Activities are designed to be fun and flexible, allowing every participant to feel involved. Our staff will often bring out refreshing drinks and snacks to make the experience even more enjoyable.
8) Special Visitors and Entertainment
While outings into the community can be challenging for seniors with Alzheimer’s, it’s still important to provide new experiences. That’s why we bring the fun to our residents by inviting special visitors and entertainers directly to our communities.
From musical performances and pet therapy visits to interactive shows and seasonal celebrations, these events offer safe, stimulating experiences without the risks that come with leaving the community. Familiar faces, new sounds, and lively activities all help support emotional well-being and create joyful memories for our residents.
Bringing the Benefits of the Outdoors to Everyday Life
Life can be challenging for seniors living with Alzheimer’s, but they can still enjoy a high quality of life. Incorporating outdoor activities into their daily routine can make a big difference in the severity of their symptoms and overall wellbeing. Whether it’s a quiet stroll or crafting with friends, these moments bring joy, comfort, and connection.
At Delmar Gardens, we understand that every resident is unique. Our caring staff is happy to work with seniors and their families to create a customized schedule that thoughtfully incorporates outdoor activities based on each individual’s preferences, physical abilities, and comfort level — whether they enjoy solo experiences, small group settings, or larger community events. Together, we can create meaningful moments every day.
