by Dana Rubin‑Winkelman, MSW, CAPSW, Social Worker, Adult Day Services
Oh, warm weather, I love you so! I have been waiting for sunny weather and the opportunity to enjoy this delightful season. In fact, as I look outside my window today, I see vibrant green leaves on our birch trees and fuchsia flowers on another. There is much to enjoy! For me, June encourages a little bit of everything – summer adventure, outdoor fun, connecting with others, and new experiences. Did you know that when you try something new and novel, you can develop new connections and pathways in your brain? How incredible! To grow these pathways, make sure you are choosing activities that are not “your usual” doings.
Throughout June and July, I will share various ideas to embrace summer and nourish our souls. The ideas below can also be modified for friends caring for a loved one with memory loss. In addition, if getting out is a little hard, create a special escape from home with the eleven clickable links. Pick your preferences and fill each day with exploration. After all, you only get one life. Come on – let’s get busy living it!
“You’ll never get bored when you try something new. There’s really no limit to what you can do.” (Dr. Seuss)
EMBRACE SUMMER WITH THESE IDEAS
1. Spend Time Near the Water: This is the season of outdoor fun, and our beautiful waters are a great city perk. Spend a day, a few hours, or take a drive and enjoy the view from the car. Whatever you choose, it will be a pleasurable outing. Summer is in the air, and Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront (or other water source) is calling your name! For friends caring for a loved one, enhance the day through these meaningful activities. If you are not sure how it will go, then start small – maybe participate in the activity with another family member or caregiver.
- Discover a little Lakefront fun! Check out Bradford Beach or McKinley Marina. Sit on the beach, swim, watch a volleyball game, or just dip your toes in the water. Bradford Beach is sure to offer good people-watching and a lake breeze. Don’t forget to wear your hippest shades and bring/buy a cool drink. Then, marvel at the McKinley Marina boats and the spectacular panoramic view! PS: We have an accessible shoreline featuring wheelchair paths.
- Collect sunsets. Hit the Lake at sunset! Bring a snack, take in a cleansing breath, and savor the view. Breathtaking! How many sunsets will you see this summer?
- Put on your walking shoes. Take a stroll, a bike ride along the lakefront, or fly a kite. Check out Lakeshore State Park and Veterans Park.
- Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse. Not only is this a fun afternoon excursion, but this is also another great photo opportunity! Snap a few pictures and feel like a model. Cindy Crawford, eat your heart out! (Did I just age myself with this reference?! 😊)
- The Milwaukee Riverwalk. Enjoy this fun two-mile walk downtown that is peppered with shops and restaurants. Stop and pose for a kitschy picture with The Bronze Fonz, located on Wells Street & N Riverwalk Way, along the way. “Aayyyyy!”
- There is no shortage of gorgeous water views in our city! Also, try the Menomonee, Milwaukee River, or the Kinnickinnic River! Wander the Riverwalk or be adventurous in a kayak!
“Today is a brand-new day. Make it fabulous.” (author unknown)
2. Rediscover our Gorgeous Parks: Did you know we have over 150 parks?! After looking at the Milwaukee Parks website, you will be amazed at all the options! We have something for everyone! For example, there are scenic trails, golf courses, beer gardens, beaches, and nature trails. If it is harder to get out right now, no worries! On this website, click “Nature Areas” and appreciate the beauty from home. Since there are so many park options, I have highlighted a few.
- Hike Milwaukee’s Oak Leaf Trail. This trail winds its way throughout the city and is a great way to enjoy greenery without leaving town. Click here to pick an area to start.
- You cannot go wrong at Lake Park. This Milwaukee gem has it all: winding paths, meadow-like areas, surprising vistas, and a view of the Lake. Before your visit, click here for more information.
- Visit Doctors Park in the Fox Point/Bayside area. I have loved this park my entire life! This park has beautiful picnic areas, a great play area for your children/grandchildren, and a spectacular path to Lake Michigan’s beach. Spend a few hours there, and feel like you went on vacation.
“I was made for sunny days.” (author unknown)
3. Summer Brain Health and Wellness: Regular mental fitness exercise can help cognition. Make brain health and wellness part of your daily routine and give your mind a boost! Complete the creative exercises below.
- Artistic Exercise. Draw the outdoor area of your family home. Describe the colors, scents, and what you feel and hear. This imaginative experience also provides an interesting opportunity to reminisce.
- A to Z Word Exercise. Using the letters of the alphabet, list all the words associated with outdoor activities and/or the outdoor joys you have experienced.
- Create a Summer Road Trip. Include the following details:
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- What places will you visit?
- Your route.
- How long will you be gone?
- Means of travel.
- One funny thing that happened along the way.
- The most interesting thing you had to eat and drink.
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“Summer means happy times and good sunshine.” (Brian Wilson)
4. Music With an Outdoor Theme: Use this playlist to connect with nature and to enjoy music’s uplifting effects. I included a variety of distinctive musical videos. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. This lovely song reminds us to appreciate the beauty of nature. Click here for this amazing 1967 live video (2+ minutes). Louis Armstrong’s smile is contagious!
- “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding. This soulful tune evokes a sense of reflection. Perhaps you listen to it when you are enjoying the water. This music video features clips and photos from Otis Redding’s musical career. Click here for the (2+ minute) video.
- “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. A beautiful song about sunshine and positivity, and a fascinating, creative (3-minute) video: Click here
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland. This classic 1939 song evokes feelings of peace. Click here to watch Judy Garland singing at age 21. Filmed during a broadcast of the Command Performance radio program (3 minutes).
“The earth has music for those that listen.” (Shakespeare)
5. Speak Out Against Anti-Israel and Jewish Hate: Actor David Schwimmer said, “You don’t have to say anything political, no one’s asking you to solve the conflict in the Middle East. Just say that you stand with your Jewish friends, colleagues, and neighbors against hatred and discrimination.”
- Please bring Israel into your thoughts with this prayer by The Maccabeats: Avinu Shebashamayim – A Prayer for the Welfare for the State of Israel.
- With all that is happening here and in Israel, I wanted to share this lovely song, “Tree of Life” by Nefesh Mountain. The musical group Nefesh Mountain fuses bluegrass music and Jewish spirituality. Often, their passion evokes love and healing. I hope you find it peaceful; it touched my soul. Click here for (2+ minute) audio.
“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” (Charles Bowden)
The summer in Milwaukee is magnificent; enjoy the many activities our beautiful city offers. Try something new and explore. Friends, please send me an email with your favorite spots. I would love to hear.
Do you have a question related to aging, memory loss, community resources, or caregiving? I am here and happy to assist! Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thinking of you and sending all my positive energy, light, and love,
Dana
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