It’s one of the best seasons for seniors. Here are some fun ideas to help them make the most of it.
It’s that time of year again. The days are getting cooler, the sun is setting earlier, and the leaves on some trees have already begun to change.
Fall is starting, and with it come all kinds of exciting possibilities, especially for seniors. The blistering heat of summer is over, which means going outside is fun again. Family-friendly activities from hayrides and corn mazes to autumn festivals are starting up. And the holidays are on the way, with Halloween and then Thanksgiving around the corner.
Regardless of where you live, there are lots of fall activities for seniors to take advantage of. Here are a few ideas:
Fall outdoor activities for seniors
Fall has some of the best weather of the year, so now is a great time to get outside more. Here are some senior fall activities to consider doing:
Nature walks
With temperatures in the 60s and 70s, clear blue skies, gentle breezes, and the trees changing, fall is the perfect time to help seniors put on a scarf and venture out to explore the world. Whether it’s a local park, a nature trail, or something even more adventurous, help them get outside.
Not only will you both get to enjoy some natural beauty, but walking is so good for overall health. Studies have shown that walking improves cardiovascular health, reduces the risk of disability, improves your mood, fights depression, boosts your immune system, and literally adds years to your life. Just walking 25 minutes a day is enough to provide all these benefits, and fall is the perfect time to help seniors start.
Locals events
Fall is a time that’s full of local events, which provide more great excuses to get outside. Farms put on hayrides, build corn mazes, and open up pumpkin patches. Farmers’ markets sell end-of-summer produce. Orchards open up for apple picking, where you can get outside and pick some healthy snacks. Fall festivals, cider festivals, and haunted houses are all on the menu too.
The pandemic means extra precautions will have to be taken, but the good news is that most of these activities are outdoors, so social distancing is relatively easy. Just google “fall activities + your city name” and you’ll find lists of fall activities that are good for seniors near you.
Decorate
Fall has an aesthetic all its own, and now is a great time to start getting in the mood for the season by decorating porches, windowsills, and tables. A lot of these decorations also make great crafts projects for seniors. Here are a few ideas:
Painting pumpkins
Pumpkins aren’t just for Jack-o-lanterns. Pumpkin painting is a great way to get creative and have some fun, all while making cool decorations for your house or room! All you need is some pumpkins, paint, and your imagination. As an added bonus, it doesn’t involve knives, making it much safer for seniors.
Fall wreaths
Fall wreaths are another great fall craft. The options are almost endless, and all you need are some basic suppliers from your local craft store. You can even incorporate fun things you find on your nature walks—like pine cones and leaves. Need some inspiration? Here are some step-by-step instructions for just one type of wreath.
Pinecone baskets
Pine cones are beautiful, versatile, and depending on where you live, very easy to find. Pinecone baskets are fun to make table centerpieces for fall. All you need is a basket to get started, but you can be as creative as you want. You can add ribbons, decorative grasses, fall leaves, dry branches, and moss, as well as artificial or fresh flowers.
Fall indoor activities for seniors
Senior activities in the fall aren’t limited to the outdoors. There’s plenty you can do with seniors to enjoy the season indoors too.
Make some tasty dishes
Fall is a time of bounty. The harvest is in, and fresh fruits and vegetables abound—apples, grapes, pears,
cranberries, carrots, cauliflower, peppers, pumpkins, and squash, just to name a few.
Making some tasty and nutritious dishes with these ingredients is a great activity to do with seniors—and a great way to keep them eating healthy. The options are endless, but check out this hearty lentil soup, this roasted beet salad, or this cauliflower stuffing for some inspiration.
Fall is all about sweet treats too, like warm cookies, hot chocolate, and fresh pies. Seniors can get in on the fun by making some of their own—just help them choose recipes that go easy on the sugar and fat. It doesn’t have to be unhealthy to be tasty!
Check out this no-bake apple pie or this no-bake pumpkin pie with a pecan crust for some ideas to get started.
Practice gratitude
Fall is the season of thanks, so it’s a great opportunity to take some time to be grateful for the people in your life. Helping seniors make some hand-written “thank you” notes is another fun and meaningful activity. You can even make it into more of a craft by letting them decorate the notes.
Start with family members and friends, but you don’t have to stop there. Doctors, caregivers, the mailman, the pharmacist, and guys who pick up their trash are all people who would be touched to hear from them. Being thankful never goes out of style.
Get ready for Halloween
Kids love trick-or-treating, and seniors love kids. Help them get ready to get in on the fun of Halloween by preparing little bags of candies and other goodies for the big night.
Fall-themed puzzles
Puzzles are a great way to stimulate your mind while making something beautiful. Best of all, you can do them by yourself or with friends and family. Add in your favorite hot drink for the perfect fall afternoon activity.
About RetireEase
Our caregivers provide at-home care to seniors that include activities such as these in addition to their general healthcare services. We believe they are an important part of making sure seniors are active and healthy.
If you’re looking for high-quality, personalized senior home care in the greater Columbia, SC area, we’d love to talk. You can contact us here.
