Arthritis-Friendly Fun Activities in Long Island
An arthritis diagnosis doesn’t mean you need to stop enjoying life or give up activities you love. In fact, staying active and enjoying your favorite hobbies, or even finding new ones that bring you joy, is a key part of arthritis pain relief and discomfort management. And with so many fun things to do in Long Island, you might discover that your problem isn’t that you can’t find ways to enjoy yourself, but rather that you have too many options to choose between!
The doctors at South Island Orthopedics understand that you want to keep enjoying life while managing your arthritis. We are committed to setting standards for the best orthopedic care and are experts in the diagnosis and management of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions that cause joint pain and discomfort. With our help, you can keep your symptoms under control and enjoy your favorite activities.
Take Advantage of Things to Do in Nassau County
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), physical activity benefits people with arthritis. Low-impact activities that don’t put excess stress on the body can help alleviate pain and stiffness, increase joint function, and improve your mood and overall well-being.
The CDC recommends modifying activities to be more joint-friendly, following the SMART method:
- Start with low-intensity activities.
- Modify activities when needed
- Aim for only “joint-friendly” activities.
- Recognize safe places and ways to be active.
- Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new exercises.
The good news? There are plenty of fun things to do in Long Island, Woodbury, Cedarhurst, and the surrounding area that adhere to the SMART guidelines. Whether you want to get out and enjoy the sunshine, get creative, or enjoy some of the area’s natural beauty, these ideas for things to do in Nassau County and Suffolk County will inspire you.
Walking
Walking is one of the best exercises when you have arthritis. Not only is it simple and free, but it can help you keep your weight under control, which reduces stress on your joints. The Arthritis Foundation recommends changing up your walking route occasionally or exploring new places to keep your workouts interesting—and thankfully, Long Island is full of scenic, safe places to walk.
In the Woodbury area, explore the trails at Stillwell Woods or Trail View State Park. In Cedarhurst, Cedarhurst Park has paved walkways. Or, for one of the most fun things to do on Long Island, visit the Sands Point Preserve near Port Washington. In addition to a nearly two-mile-long trail, the preserve is home to well-maintained gardens and Gould Castle, an impressive mansion once owned by the Guggenheim family.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is an excellent activity for people with arthritis for several reasons. It involves heading outdoors, which gets you fresh air and a nice boost of vitamin D. And bird watching requires at least some small amount of walking, so it’s an easy, gentle exercise, even if you aren’t up for a strenuous hike.
In fact, bird watching has become one of the most popular things to do in Nassau County during COVID. The New York Times reported a surge in the hobby’s popularity, with a record-setting number of sightings reported on Global Big Day, an annual bird-spotting event.
If you’re interested in learning more about bird watching or want to get out and start watching birds yourself, Long Island is home to multiple Audubon chapters and bird sanctuaries. Most chapters host guided bird walks and other amateur and expert ornithologist events.
Gardening
Gardening also became a popular activity on Long Island during quarantine, and that enthusiasm shows no signs of slowing down. Although gardening can sometimes be challenging for people with arthritis or conditions that limit their movement, the American Occupational Therapy Association has some tips to make it easier on your joints:
- Keep your garden small. Container gardening or raised beds are ideal.
- Get assistance with heavy lifting. Don’t try to lift heavy bags of soil, mulch, etc., yourself. If you have to move things, break them down into smaller loads and use a cart.
- Use tools with long, padded handles to protect your joints from pressure and pain.
- Choose tools that have features like a spring-action automatic opening to reduce work.
- Sit or kneel on a padded surface and change positions often to reduce stiffness.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your garden or want to enjoy beautiful spaces without work, consider a day trip to one of the many public botanical gardens in the area. There are plenty of beautiful places, such as the Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay and Clark Botanical Garden in Albertson.
Strolling around a garden is a fun thing to do as a couple on Long Island and gives you the chance to get some exercise. Many public gardens also offer family activities, including children’s gardens, educational programs, and guided walks.
Arts And Crafts
Another activity that involves walking is a visit to the art museum. Long Island’s most renowned art museum, the Nassau County Museum of Art (NCMA), has reopened and offers indoor and outdoor exhibits and installations to explore. It’s a fun activity for adults on Long Island, but the museum offers a wide array of children’s programming too.
If you would rather create art, which can help maintain dexterity in your hands, NCMA offers a range of workshops, including virtual classes, to get your creative juices flowing.
Yoga
Yoga is another gentle exercise that can reduce joint pain, and it’s also helpful for maintaining flexibility and balance. The Arthritis Foundation notes that the mindfulness component of yoga practice can help reduce stress, which can help you better manage the symptoms of arthritis.
Long Island has an abundance of yoga studios, classes, and workshops, so there’s undoubtedly one that will meet your needs. If you are looking for yoga for seniors with arthritis, there are certainly classes that fit your ability. In addition, many studios offer online or outdoor classes to suit your preference.
Turn To South Island Orthopedics For the Arthritis Pain Relief and Support You Need
Arthritis can get in the way of you doing things you love, but it doesn’t have to. The doctors at South Island Orthopedics are committed to helping you maintain—and improve—your quality of life. They combine non-surgical and surgical techniques to provide pain relief and improved function, all in a comfortable, family-like atmosphere.
You can expect compassionate, high-quality orthopedic care customized to your needs. Request an appointment today and do more things that you love.