Don’t let the final months of summer slip through your fingers! The days might be getting shorter, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy some sunshine before the colder months roll in. Whether it’s a walk by the river or enjoying a cold drink outside, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy the warmth. The local gardens are still full of colour, and it’s a great time to enjoy them before the leaves start to fall. Spending time in nature has been shown to have a variety of health benefits especially for older adults, including improved attention span and information retention. Here are some ways that the Clover Living residents are enjoying the remaining days of summer.
Enjoy Gentle Green Space Strolls
Calgary has over 96km of paved pathways along the Bow and Elbow rivers, and a nice portion of that is located outside the Clover Living doors! The residents especially love the accessibility they have to the waterways, and are often out for a leisurely walk at their own pace.
Container Gardening & Birdwatching
Gardening raised beds or container planters makes nurturing flowers or herbs accessible without bending. The Clover Living community is lucky to have this type of garden right in our backyard, which is due in large part to our friends at the Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens’ Association.
Birdwatching can be done from your porch, backyard, or a park—keep binoculars and a bird guide nearby and observe local wildlife like pelicans and herons.
Guided Nature Walks & Workshops
Calgary Parks offers guided one-hour walks in local parks led by environmental educators, as well as workshops on trees and wildlife identification. These can be scheduled in advance and customized to fit group mobility levels.
Staying Comfortable & Safe
To enjoy summer safely:
- Stay hydrated—bring water and drink before leaving.
- Avoid high sun hours (typically 10 a.m.–3 p.m.)—mornings are best.
- Use sunscreen (SPF 30+), wear light breathable clothing, and a wide-brim hat.
- Listen to your body—stop or rest if you feel fatigued.
Being located in downtown Calgary means that the Clover Living residents are perfectly situated to enjoy a vibrant cityscape environment. Spending time outdoors also brings physical benefits like better circulation, improved strength, Vitamin D and balance, along with mental benefits such as reduced stress, a brighter mood and often times a renewed sense of independence.
Enjoy the remaining days of summer!