7 Outdoor Activities for Seniors in Rural Areas

Looking for outdoor activities for seniors? A survival expert, sportsman, outdoor expert and grandpa shares some of the best activities for lighting up your golden years.

Life is what we make of it. Being a senior citizen does not mean that life cannot be meaningful and exciting. The world, and particularly the rural lifestyle, is full of meaningful pursuits.

In this series, we have discussed the health benefits of spending more time outdoors, hiking tips for seniors, camping for seniors and the following article will concentrate on outdoor activities for seniors in rural areas.

Personal Observations From an Outdoor-Loving Active Senior

As a senior citizen myself, I can verify that the rural lifestyle offers an untold number of activities that will enrich life and contribute to overall improved health.

At my age, I am fortunate to have a wonderful spouse who is supportive and engaging. She keeps me on the straight and narrow!

There are numerous enjoyable pursuits available to seniors in a rural setting, making it easy to overlook some of the opportunities.

7 Outdoor Activity Suggestions for Seniors in Rural Areas

Some of these ideas are not only applicable to rural residents, but also to those in urban areas. It is amazing what is available when we begin to look around us.

1: Birdwatching (or Feeding) 

I can attest to the enjoyment of feeding and watching the antics of the various birds that come to our feeders.

A combination of black oil sunflower seeds and suet blocks will attract an abundant number of birds. Most species are attracted to the sunflower seeds, and the suet is especially welcomed by the woodpeckers, wrens and even other species will occasionally eat the suet.

We have multiple tube feeders, including a large hopper feeder and a couple of suet cages, and they stay busy with the vivid flashes of color as various species traffic back and forth from trees to feeders.

Don’t overlook the possibility of having hummingbird feeders.

These colorful and fascinating little jewels of nature are sure to entertain you for hours. Feeders must be kept clean to prevent the spread of illness. Commercial foods are available, but plain sugar water (without food coloring) will save expense and is just as good.

Basic Recipe For Hummingbird Food

Mix four parts water with 1 part sugar for warm-weather feeding. The ratio can be altered to 3:1 if feeding in colder weather.

Related reading: How To Make Your Yard A Bird Sanctuary

2. Photography

Photography is a fascinating hobby, whether focusing on nature, landscape or any other subject.

There are an untold number of camera varieties available. Most modern telephones have camera capabilities and can take decent photos. For superior images, you might want to invest in a nicer camera.

Cameras that can be fitted with various lenses are available, but those equipped with zoom lenses have made significant advances in quality and offer considerable flexibility.

Related reading: 8 Simple Tips for Better Fishing and Hunting Photos

3. Hiking

We live in a wonderful country and are blessed with many well-maintained hiking trails. Hiking is not only entertaining, but it can definitely contribute to better health and even improve mental fitness.

State and federal parks are good sources of hiking trails, and a quick search online will provide a list of available trails.

There are also hiking clubs that will offer camaraderie as well as information and good exercise.

Learn more about hiking resources and tips for seniors in: Hiking For Seniors: How to Hike Safely In Your Later Years

4. Gardening

Gardening offers multiple benefits, such as exercise, fresh vegetables, beautiful flowers for outside enjoyment as well as cut flowers for beautifying the home. It is amazing what a small space can produce if it is well-tended.

We have a small garden of approximately 750 square feet (25X30 feet) that provides fresh food as well as freezing and canning for winter use.

Some suggestions for inclusion in the garden would be tomatoes,  green beans, squash, peppers, okra, peas and other vegetables of your preference.

Plant early to avoid the need for heavy pesticide use, and learn more in: 7 Tips for Starting a Master-Planned Garden on Your Land

5. Woodworking

If you have space such as a small workshop, woodworking can be a fascination hobby.

It can allow you to create useful items for your home or small projects that you find interesting. It's also a wonderful skill for grandparents to teach their grandchildren (and spoil them with homemade wooden gifts).

It does require some investment in tools, so this is  consideration.

6. Outdoor Cooking 

This can include grilling (gas or charcoal), campfire or cast iron cooking to create many delicious meals, and being outside is a bonus.

I have found cast iron cooking with Dutch ovens to be a particularly interesting pursuit. An oven designed with legs will allow you to place charcoal under the oven as well as on top of the flanged lid.

The temperature can be regulated by the number of briquets place under and on top of the oven. Usually, the oven requires twice as many briquets on top to provide even heat for cooking.

Learn more in: Cooking over Wood: Cast Iron Cooking Techniques and More

7. Primitive and Survival Skills 

One of my interests involves participating in and writing about primitive and survival skills. I have published several booklets on Amazon Kindle, and they provide many suggestions about these skills.

These include: fire-starting with bow drill, flint and steel and ferrocerium rod as well as other fascinating skills related to camping and outdoor life.

Discover more about these skills in: Primitive Crafts and Survival Skills for Uncertain Times

Final Thoughts

These are just a few of the many activities that will enhance your life and provide valuable exercise for both body and mind.

It's easy to become a “couch potato,” but there's a vast world of interesting things that can enhance your lifestyle.

Don’t wait, start today to investigate new interests that will expand your life, and you will reap the benefits of exercise and a better state of mind.

It is possible to access many of these activities, and you will likely be exposed to some new faces that might become valuable friends.