Dallas is home to 117,236 Texans over age 65. The surrounding areas are rich with programs and activities to keep older Americans engaged and active. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, seniors have the opportunity to participate in a myriad of safe activities in the Dallas area.

An active lifestyle is a key component of keeping chronic health conditions at bay. Whether an aging loved one takes part in programs with peers or prefers a companion caregiver by his or her side, seniors have plenty to do in the local areas to enrich their days.

1. University Park

One way to enjoy the autumn season and protect oneself from exposure to the coronavirus is to participate in virtual activities. The City of University Park holds a virtual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. University Park residents upload a photo of a decorated pumpkin for a chance to win a Halloween prize.

A companion caregiver might help the older adult carve out the pumpkin at home. The creative aspect of decorating the pumpkin stimulates the senior’s mind. Using one’s hands to decorate improves blood flow and dexterity to the fingers, hands and arms.

2. Richardson

Zoom is gaining popularity as people use it to communicate during the coronavirus pandemic. Seniors also utilize Zoom to connect with friends and family and participate in a range of online events. Meeting new friends via Zoom is an added benefit.

Seniors in Richardson play Zoom Bingo and have the chance to win $40 e-gift cards. For those who intend to add physical activity to their weekly schedules, Zoom offers seniors the opportunity to exercise. Spend mornings doing Exercise with Kim via Zoom!

Enjoy a few laughs by participating in a Halloween Pet Parade and Virtual Tour on Zoom. Seniors take a tour of The Mansions at Wylie, while meeting its fun-loving pets and people. Get motivated by entering for chances to win exciting prizes. Celebration Magazine hosts this online event.

Older individuals celebrate the holidays amidst cheer and festivities by registering for the online event The Holidays at Holiday! Seniors learn about nine different communities in the Dallas area, including Richardson. With live holiday music and prizes, this is an event that seniors won’t want to miss.

While online events are appropriate during the pandemic, so are socially distanced holiday parties. Cookies, Cocoa and Caroling will be held in Richardson. Socially distanced outdoor seating will be available, and seniors are encouraged to bring a blanket. Plan to enjoy music sung by the Dallas Christmas Carolers.

Richardson will also host the Thanksgiving Pie Parade. Seniors or their companion caregivers who drive through the very special Celebration Parade will receive one Thanksgiving mini pie. This two-hour long event is perfect for maintaining social distancing while participating in the season’s festivities.

3. Highland Park

Highland Park residents might head outdoors to the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The autumn weather is crisp and cool, so it is important to dress in layers during the outing. Seniors can view breathtaking floral displays and seasonal plants now and all year long.

Famous to Highland Park residents is the old big pecan tree. This magnificent tree will be specially lit to welcome the holiday season. In the event the tree lighting ceremony is canceled due to Covid-19, seniors and caregivers can still drive by and view the spectacularly lit tree.

4. Dallas

The Dallas World Aquarium is open to the public and ready to amaze visitors with its animal exhibits. Seniors and their caregivers can expect to take precautions, such as temperature checks prior to entry. (Feedings and keeper chats are canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.)

Seniors can explore palm tree polyps, the pot-bellied seahorse and the colorful Harlequin shrimp in the aquarium section. The blue penguin and shoebill stork can be viewed in the Aquarium’s Borneo exhibits. In Mundo Maya, seniors will see exhibits of the Ocelot and spectacled owl.

Thanks-Giving Square is open to the public despite coronavirus concerns. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, the Square features a landscaped meditation garden and art collection mosaics, like the “Glory Window” and Norman Rockwell’s “Golden Rule.” Special events promoting gratitude are held throughout the year.

Staying safe from the threat of Covid-19 is possible by taking self-guided tours of the Thanks-Giving Square. The guide offers visitors suggested routes. Start at the Court of All Nations, travel to the Center Court of Praise and end at the Spirit of Thanksgiving by John Hutton.

Although the Dallas Museum of Art is open, seniors may take extra Covid-19 health safety precautions by participating in virtual events. The museum holds daily virtual events, like the informative Virtual ARTventures with Arturo: Collecting Textures and Pulitzer Prize finalist Laila Lalami.

Even during the Covid-19 era, seniors can and should stay active. Companion caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care make it possible for the elderly at all levels of cognitive and physical functioning to experience the outdoors, the arts, holiday festivities, gardens and museums.

Our companion care services meet the daily needs of seniors. We build strong relationships with the seniors in our care in order to provide them with meaningful companionship. Caregivers are screened and trained so that families and their elderly loved ones feel comfortable and safe.

Assisting Hands Home Care private companion caregivers do more than accompany seniors on outings. We also play an important part in their daily routines. Typical companion caregiving responsibilities include discreet help with personal hygiene, meal preparation, light housekeeping and transportation.

Our senior transportation services are especially important, as many seniors feel a loss of freedom when they are no longer able to drive. Whether your aging loved one has a doctor’s appointment or chooses to visit the Dallas World Aquarium, our caregivers will provide safe transportation.

Assisting Hands Home Care offers affordable and quality in-home care services for seniors in Dallas, Highland Park, Richardson and University Park, TX. Contact us at (214) 865-7870 for a complimentary in-home assessment and start the most compassionate senior home care today.