How Seniors Can Make the Most of the Summer

Summer is finally here, and it’s a great time for residents at Vinson Hall Retirement Community to explore new activities and revisit familiar favorites. Take advantage of the longer days to stay active, reconnect with friends or explore new interests outside of your comfort zone. The warm weather is always enjoyable, particularly after a chilly winter. Consider these activities to make the most of your summer.

Volunteering

Seniors who enjoy giving back to their community will find numerous volunteer opportunities. Volunteering is also an excellent way to meet new people and explore activities you might not have had the chance to do until retirement.

For example, if you're interested in the arts, you may enjoy volunteering as an usher during performances at The Alden Theatre. If you want to have a say in the programs offered at the McLean Community Center (MCC), consider running for election to the MCC’s Governing Board to help set policies. 

Another opportunity is to help individuals in need by volunteering at SHARE of McLean. They are always looking for help sorting donations, stocking shelves and assisting adult shoppers in the food, clothing, linen and household goods rooms.

Cooking or Baking Something New

Whether you’re flipping through a cookbook handed down over generations or searching the Internet for inspiration, look for a recipe you’ve never tried before. Learning to cook or bake something new in the summer offers an excellent creative outlet and a way to enjoy fresh seasonal ingredients.

The McLean Farmers Market is just a quick nine-minute drive from VHRC. It offers the freshest produce for your summer cooking endeavors. Fresh produce provides nutritious seasonal options that are both healthy and delicious.

Because summer brings an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits, it’s the perfect time to experiment with fruit-based desserts, light salads and chilled soups. Trying out new recipes can be especially rewarding in the summer. Consider inviting some neighbors from the community to join you. You can also share stories and swap cooking tips while you prepare a delicious meal together.

Exploring a New Area of Town

Exploring new areas of town can be a thrilling adventure for seniors, and Northern Virginia has so much to offer. For nature lovers, explore nearby Great Falls Park, an 800-acre National Park on the banks of the Potomac River. Here, you can watch wildlife, be enthralled by amazing waterfalls and soak up the area's history.

If you’re not sure where to start your exploration, sign up for a guided tour. A friendly guide will show you some of the most popular landmarks in the area and the nation’s capital, which is just 10 miles away. The wealth of historic sites and scenic locales will keep you busy all summer and many summers to come. The Scott’s Run Nature Preserve offers seasonal programming such as guided springtime wildflower walks or birdwatching tours.

If you want a more metropolitan experience, plan a day trip to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens or venture into Washington, D.C., to visit the famous Smithsonian museums or iconic monuments like the Washington Memorial, Abraham Lincoln Memorial and the White House. Every outing offers an opportunity to learn something new while enjoying gentle exercise and enriching experiences that make lasting memories.

Finding a Good Book

If you love McLean’s warm, humid summers, you can enjoy them by curling up with a good book in a shady spot outdoors. Find a gripping mystery, historical saga or collection of poems that transports you to another world. If you like sharing your literary experiences with others, a book club offers a fantastic way to discuss stories with like-minded individuals.

The Dolley Madison Library in McLean has all the latest titles and a variety of activities, especially for adults aged 50 or older. Whether you’re interested in summertime programs, furthering your education or pursuing new hobbies, you can find all this and more at your local library.

If you're unsure about which book to read, simply fill out a form with your preferred authors and genres, and the library staff will make personalized recommendations. They can pull available titles and have them ready for you to pick up. The library also has volunteer opportunities for seniors wanting to combine their love of reading with their desire to give back to the community.

Attending Local Community Events

Whether you’re attending events on the VHRC campus or the local surrounding community, there’s always something to do during the summer in McLean, Virginia. VHRC hosts a variety of interesting events, and as a resident of the community, you can RSVP to save your spot.

Getting to events off campus is easy with transportation from Vinson Hall Retirement Community. We organize regular trips to cultural and historic sites, as well as various activities to keep you as busy as you want. McLean is known for its community festivals, performing arts and local parks, so you’ll find tons of entertainment options. 

At Vinson Hall Retirement Community, residents have an exciting summer ahead. Learn more about our planned activities by giving us a call at 703-536-4344 today!