One of our main goals at Bethesda Gardens is to help older adults enjoy a vibrant lifestyle. In addition to offering daily activities on-site for our residents, we also provide scheduled transportation, so seniors can explore points of interest and events around town.
With its abundance of nature and small-town-style atmosphere, Monument, Colorado, has a pleasant charm that makes outings an enjoyable experience, whether you're meeting up with a loved one for a visit or heading out with a large group of friends for an afternoon romp.
Activities popular among locals are plentiful and varied, ensuring everyone can find a pastime that suits their taste. Below is a sampling of things seniors might want to try during their next outing in Monument.
Walking and hiking are simple exercises to participate in, and research has proven their benefits are powerful. Monument has multiple walking trails for seniors to explore, including the New Santa Fe Regional Trail, which runs right by Bethesda Gardens.
The variety of locations in the area makes it easier for new walkers to find a spot suited to their abilities, and it also gives regulars plenty of places to switch up their paths if they start to get bored with their usual routine.
For safety and comfort, seniors should wear appropriate shoes with good ankle support and cushioned soles. To prevent uncomfortable sunburns, a hat, a loose long-sleeve cotton shirt and sunscreen should be put on before stepping out — even on cloudy days.
Colorado is a remarkable place to live for a birdwatcher. Despite being a landlocked state, it's home to over 400 types of birds, including waterbirds, raptors and songbirds.
In addition to watching for birds in the gardens surrounding their assisted living apartment, seniors can look for them in the many parks and green spaces around Monument.
Seniors interested in spotting specific birds can check out the state's Parks and Wildlife Department, which has detailed lists of species that have been seen in each of the state parks.
Fishing is a common outdoor hobby in Monument, with anglers hitting the town's namesake lake and Lake Palmer, just to the north. Depending on the season, fishers can expect to see trout, catfish, perch, pike and bass.
Waterways are stocked regularly by the Parks and Wildlife Department, which also sells fishing licenses. Rates are modest for seniors, with discounts on annual and lifetime passes for qualifying individuals.
A detailed fishing atlas is available online. Seniors can quickly locate fishing points and check whether the area is accessible for individuals with mobility issues or has a boat ramp, along with other key information, from the comfort of their apartment.
There are several spots around Monument where bookworms can relax and dig into a great read, including our patios with their mountain peak views and the picnic areas in the local parks around the city. For reading materials, residents can visit our library here at Bethesda Gardens or request a ride to the local chapter of the Pike’s Peak Library.
The library is just a 3-minute drive from our community and hosts many events throughout the year. If a book is unavailable, they'll request copies from nearby libraries, so seniors can rely on a steady stream of new reading materials.
Avid readers may also want to check out Covered Treasures, a delightful indie bookstore housed in a historic building in the downtown area. In addition to thousands of new and used volumes, the shop sells puzzles, toys and cards, making it a great stop for gift ideas for grandchildren. It also hosts a wide variety of events and book clubs, so seniors can stay active in the local community.
Whether browsing for red-hot deals or just casually window shopping, frequenting local stores is a great way for seniors to support our town's economy and help the store owners stay afloat.
Many brick-and-mortar stores have struggled in recent years, so the owners tend to value customers and give them more attention and assistance than big-box stores, which can enhance the experience.
Some stores, such as Bella Decor and Design, have delivery options, so it's easy to get purchases home. Others, including Sew In Tune, offer classes, so seniors can try out their products and potentially find a new hobby.
Loneliness and depression are common issues many seniors struggle with as they age. Staying physically and socially active is vital to maintaining good mental and emotional well-being.
Volunteering is a great way for seniors to remain engaged and active in the community. Volunteer opportunities are available in all capacities, from planting flowers in the city parks to spending time with children and helping them complete their homework.
This makes it possible for seniors of all ability levels to participate and experience the pleasure of giving back to others. Interested individuals can talk with Bethesda Gardens staff members about our volunteer programs or visit one of the local organizations that often need volunteers.
