Fight the Summer Slump with These Community Center Program Ideas

As temperatures rise, so can the challenge of keeping seniors engaged with your community center during the long, hot summer months. Many older adults may limit outdoor activity to avoid heat-related issues or prevent a chronic health condition from flaring. This can lead to isolation or inactivity for seniors and a slower season for your organization.

Combating this “summer slump” just takes a little imagination and planning. Senior centers can implement a mix of stimulating, safe, and fun programs that boost wellness, foster social connection, and provide relief from the heat during the dog days of summer. With some thoughtful promotion, including on your social media channels, you’ll be able to keep your membership thriving all summer long.

Here are some suggestions to help your team get your planning efforts started.

Ideas to Help Senior Centers Beat the Summer Heat



• Indoor garden clubs: Gardening is therapeutic, with proven mental and physical health benefits. But in the heat of summer, outdoor gardening might not be safe. High temperatures can increase a senior’s risk for everything from heat stroke to sun poisoning. An indoor garden club using container plants, herbs, or even hydroponics is a great alternative. You can organize a garden club that works together to share tips and advice on how to grow flowers, vegetables, and herbs indoors.

• Fitness classes: Walking, biking, and swimming are popular summer activities for people of all ages. But when the mercury rises, they might not be very enjoyable. You can provide a place for seniors and other members of your community to participate in low-impact indoor exercise options like chair yoga, tai chi, or stretching classes. These programs give people a way to socialize and stay active, while minimizing the risks for heat-related health conditions.

• Brain health activities: Summer is a perfect time to host gatherings that stimulate the mind and boost cognitive health. Trivia contests, crossword challenges, foreign language classes, and music classes are a few to consider. Book clubs and guest lecture series are also great choices.

• Intergenerational programs: Partner with local schools or camps to bring children and seniors together for crafts, storytelling, or reading programs. These interactions are uplifting and mutually beneficial, giving seniors a renewed sense of purpose and creating cherished memories for both generations.

• Creative arts and DIY workshops: Art therapy is both expressive and relaxing. Set up weekly workshops where seniors can try painting, pottery, knitting, or jewelry-making. Not only are these activities fun, but they also help with fine motor skills and provide a sense of accomplishment.

• Indoor field trips and virtual travel: Bring the world indoors with virtual travel sessions using documentaries, VR headsets, or themed presentations. You can also arrange trips to local museums, aquariums, or planetariums, where climate control ensures a comfortable experience.

• Summer cinema series: Transform your senior center into a movie theater with popcorn and snacks, comfortable seating, and air conditioning. Ask for volunteers to help screen and select movies to show each week or month, depending on how often you’d like to host your movie day.

• Healthy cooking demonstrations: Host indoor cooking classes that focus on light, summer-friendly recipes. Recipes that don’t require you to use the oven and heat up the kitchen might be especially appealing. Have a nutritionist or chef from a local business or hospital share healthy menu planning tips and provide hands-on practice making smoothies, salads, or no-bake desserts.

Don’t Forget to Advertise!

Now that you have a handful of great new programs to try out, it’s time to source great looking graphics to advertise them in your newsletter, on your website, event flyers, and your social media feeds. WeCreate can help! Our incredible library of curated digital content has graphics perfect for announcing your new programs. A sneak-peek is available on our free community art page. 

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