Most patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia find that keeping the brain and body active is an essential way to cope with the challenges of the disease. Activities that stimulate the brain and body such as walking, chair exercises, Tai Chi, and even simple yoga can boost the mental and physical health of all seniors, no matter what age or cognitive ability.
Another critical component of maintaining health as we age is getting outside and enjoying activities with friends and family that can keep brains active, keep bodies conditioned, and create great memories to cherish. And we’re fortunate to live in an area with so much available to explore, learn and experience.
Here are some ideas for outings with seniors around the Twin Cities:
Take a tour of the architecture and history of one of America’s greatest streets. Tours start at the historic James J. Hill House in St. Paul and cover 1.5 miles.
Historic Main Street Walking Tour
Discover the stories of Minneapolis’s oldest neighborhood and gain insight into the rich diversity of the 1850s town of St. Anthony. The tour includes about 1 mile of moderately paced walking on uneven surfaces.
Step back to the days when streetcar was king by taking a nostalgic ride on the historic Como-Harriet streetcar along a scenic route between Lake Harriet and Bde Maka Ska. The ride is about 15 minutes.
Take a narrated sightseeing cruise on Lake Minnetonka aboard the historic sternwheeler, The Lady of the Lake. The cruise leaves from downtown Excelsior and is about 2 hours long.
Como Conservatory Senior Strolls
Enjoy exotic plants and beautiful displays in the gardens during a special time set aside just for seniors. Stroll through the Zoo and Conservatory with other older adults before the crowds.
Explore the 1,200-acre horticultural garden in Chaska and take a Trumpet Creeper Tram Tour of the grounds. The narrated tram tour takes about 1 hour.
