Vaccination rollouts continue in Wisconsin and all other states in the US, prompting the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to issue new Covid-19 safety guidelines. In light of improvements in Covid-19 infection metrics, fully vaccinated people may resume certain activities, like the ones that follow.
On May 13, 2021, the CDC announced that masks and social distancing are no longer mandatory for fully vaccinated people who participate in indoor and outdoor activities. However, face masks are still important in specific circumstances, such as in hospital settings and when using public transportation.
Seniors and caregivers are urged to continue wearing masks when using public transportation to access recreational areas. Facial coverings are also critical when attending crowded, outdoor events. When in the company of unvaccinated people indoors, wearing a mask helps to protect others.
1. Wisconsin Senior Olympics
The Wisconsin Senior Olympics kicks off on July 14th with a Hall of Fame Induction and Opening Ceremony Dinner. Various cities in the state host a range of sports, from bowling to tennis and power walks. Shuffleboard and cornhole will take place at the end of August.
Seniors can expect a summer of singles and doubles horseshoes at the Joe’s Circle K Ranch in Cudahy. Badminton, dartball, archery and powerlifting are among the exciting events. Lawn bowling and singles croquet will take place in Milwaukee on September 12th and September 17th, respectively.
Individuals with a knack for organizing or working behind the scenes have an opportunity to volunteer with the WSO Volunteer program. Or seniors may simply enjoy being part of the WSOs recreational, social and competitive events, which promote fitness and wellness in the older population.
2. Eastside Farmers’ Market
McPike Park in Madison will host the Eastside Farmers’ Market on Tuesday afternoons through October. Seniors and caregivers may browse the colorful outdoor market featuring vendors, like agricultural producers and food artisans, who create premium products from Wisconsin’s agricultural abundance.
3. Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Also in Madison is the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, where elderly individuals may saunter through its 16 acres of gorgeous landscapes. The Bolz Conservatory houses exotic plants and orchids. Seniors may even view an onsite waterfall. Admission to the gardens is free on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Madison is home to a rich musical scene. Vaccinated seniors can listen to a range of musical genres, from the blues to jazz and folk to classical, at the summer concert series held on the Great Lawn at the Olbrich’s outdoor gardens. Bring a blanket for evenings of enjoyable listening.
4. Bird and Nature Outings
Whether walking on foot, paddling a boat or peddling a bicycle, vaccinated seniors can absorb the breathtaking sights of nature at various parks in Madison. On May 22nd, learn about spring bird migrants during a Bird and Nature outing, led by an expert nature volunteer.
5. Franklin Civic Celebration
View the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks at the Franklin Civic Celebration at Lions Legend Park. The weekend’s festivities start with a July 4th parade. Take a guided tour through the Franklin Historical buildings afterward and spend time perusing or buying creations produced by vendors and artists.
6. “A Day in the Park” Arts & Crafts Show
On the second Sunday in July, seniors and caregivers can browse through stalls of unique items of handiwork made by over 250 crafters from across the country. The “A Day in the Park” craft show is organized by the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce.
7. Best Dam Fest at Beaver Dam
Also in Beaver Dam will be the Best Dam Fest, formerly known as the Beaver Dam Lake Days. This senior friendly attraction held on July 10th will feature lake events, local music, an appetizing array of food and a Saturday night firework show. Seniors can also browse the sidewalk sales.
8. Conservation Park Tour
Held in Meadow Ridge Park in Madison, the Conservation Park Tour takes individuals of all ages on an easy walk through the various conservation parks. Participants learn about how volunteers and deer population management programs help yield a more sustainable plant community.
9. Wisconsin Historical Museum
The Wisconsin Historical Museum is open to visitors starting June 3rd. Located on the Madison Capitol Square, the Museum features both special temporary and permanent exhibits about the stories behind the state’s history. Native American tribes, immigrant life, and frontier experiences are at the forefront.
Although the Covid-19 pandemic has led to Wisconsin beaches being closed, arts and craft fairs being canceled and dances being postponed, senior-friendly activities are available to those who are fully vaccinated. More activities are resuming as vaccinations continue and Covid-19 restrictions ease.
The abovementioned activities are either held outdoors or have limited capacity, which make them safe for vaccinated seniors to participate or attend. Mask wearing is required when outdoor events are crowded, and indoor events are filled with unvaccinated people from multiple households.
Attending events as the Covid-19 pandemic gradually wanes is especially important to a senior’s emotional and physical well-being. Loneliness and isolation were common at the height of the pandemic. However, as society slowly reopens, more social and recreational activities may be enjoyed.
Companion Care Services
When your aging loved one lives alone or feels socially isolated, companion care from Assisting Hands Home Care is vital to a high quality of life. Our reputable home care agency offers companion care services that significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation in care recipients.
Our quality companion care starts with a professional caregiver getting to know your loved one through conversations about hobbies, interests, and life experiences. We strive to build strong bonds with our care recipients to ensure they feel valued, understood, and supported.
Assisting Hands Home Care services also include help with the activities of daily living, including transportation, grocery shopping and meal preparation. When the senior in your life would benefit from compassionate companion care, schedule an in-home consultation with us.