As I write this, winter is in its final two weeks and springtime is already showing early signs of arrival in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  We have had the good fortune of having a very mild winter, unlike a lot of the rest of the country.  Each season offers new challenges and new opportunities.  The warmer weather increases the opportunities for outdoor activities with seniors.  With the threat of slippery ice and snow declining, the elderly should get outside and see the flowering trees, shrubs and flowers that are always beautiful this time of the year.  Of course for some, pollens and bees can cause discomfort if certain unpleasant circumstances develop.  Spring afternoons generally offer warmer temperatures and more pleasant conditions.

Some preparation is in order before venturing outside in the new season.  Appropriate clothing is essential and many persons with dementia will need assistance in selecting something appropriate to wear outside.  In early spring, it may be sunny but cool.  There may even be a breeze blowing, so a quick check of conditions will help to determine if a sweater or jacket would be a good idea.  If it turns out to be a little on the cool side, don't forget to protect the hands and head.  A lot of body heat can be lost through the head area and hands can become very uncomfortable if they are cold.  A hat and scarf can be removed later if it turns out to be unnecessary.  Good footwear will ensure a safe sure-footed comfortable walk. Having a few tissues in the coat pocket comes in handy sometimes, too.  Sunglasses are optional and not advised for someone with limited vision abilities.  This might also be a good time of year to bring a camera along for a few pictures to send to friends or relatives.  Many vivid colorful backgrounds will be found in landscaped areas.

Caregivers should seize the opportunity to take an elder outdoors for a walk on nice days.  There will be many things to see and the distractions can cause an accident, so watching out for irregular pavement and curbs should be on everyone's minds.  A bad fall would certainly spoil a wonderful outing.  The wildlife can be observed from a park bench, wheel chair or walker.  When observing the wildlife or certain terrain features, be sure to pause.  Walking while looking at someplace other than where you are going can be dangerous.  There will be squirrels and birds to see, as well as ducks and other waterfowl if a pond or stream is nearby.

If going outdoors for the first time in several weeks, don't overdo it.  A short walk on level pavement is a good way to condition muscles without causing joint pain or muscle cramps.  There are definite health benefits from the exercise of walking outdoors.  Over a period of days, longer walks can be taken as tolerated by the body.  For some, the walks will remain short and that's okay.  The people in better physical condition can lengthen the distance of the walk and even take on sloping terrain.  Persons with memory difficulties will need to be accompanied at all times during the walks.  They should be advised to never go out alone.