When Jessica Tipton of West Chester spends time outdoors with her four grandchildren, it usually involves some sort of physical activity, which enables her to keep herself active along with having fun and memorable times with them.
“They are young, but are very athletic,” Tipton said. “We swim, play baseball, kick soccer balls, hit golf balls, play hide and go seek and walk while they ride their bikes or scoot.”
Activities to pair with certain ages
As the program director at the West Chester Area Senior Center, she is used to coordinating and executing physical activities, so her grandchildren reap the benefits of that because she is aware of what activities to pair with certain ages, whether grandchildren or her peers at the senior center.
When it comes to chatter before and after her classes with members at the Center who take the fitness classes she teaches, Tipton is used to hearing about time the members spend with their grandchildren and the different things they do during the summertime.
“Some play golf or other sports, some walk, play or swim when they are at the beach,” she said. “Some swim in their pools, ride bikes, walk while the children scooter. Some do trail hikes or bikes.”
No cost to enjoy
One of the best aspects, aside from benefiting from time alone with grandchildren to get them to know them better, is that most of the above activities don’t cost a cent to enjoy.
We are fortunate in that our region has plentiful parks with trails and lots of woodlands to explore.
Some might have more of a challenge than others in getting their grandchildren away from screens to pull them outside. Tipton finds that because of the rules already set by her family, it makes it easy for them to make the transition.
“Our family does not allow screen time,” she said. “It’s important for kids to get outside to do something. Whether by themselves or with someone, there are mental and physical benefits.”
Healthy connections
Socializing and learning rules of a game allow for healthy connections with others. Also, Tipton said, the physical benefits are numerous.
“Just being outside and in the sun gives you your vitamin D daily requirements,” she said. “Developing coordination and strength also come from doing activities.”
If you prefer to stay home and not wander out, it’s always good to have some sidewalk chalk handy for grandchildren to make designs or play games, such as hopscotch.
On rainy days when indoors, fun activities can include games such as Simon Says that keep kids moving, guiding children to do push-ups and jumping jacks, for example.
Tipton has found that what a grandparent or parent models to their grandchildren can have a big impact on the amount and type of physical activity they get.
“I think most of the kids now are athletic based on whether their parents, grandparents or both were athletic,” she said.
Helpful resources
She suggested that seeking out resources for those looking for more information on various health challenges that can arise due to a lack of physical activity is out there to educate yourself.
“There is a lot more information for adults to obtain regarding type 2 diabetes, and screen time and depression in children, due to isolation, to assure kids stay fit and active,” Tipton said.
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