With the coming of fall, days are getting shorter, and nights are growing colder. For our seniors, fall is the best time of the year to enjoy relaxing activities with their loved ones. Whether it be a casual get-together at the park or an unwinding afternoon of knitting at home, these activities not only make our seniors happy, but also boost their overall health and wellness for a longer, more fulfilled life.
And, while there are also a lot of things to be cautious about during the fall, there are ways to stay safe and prevent harm, while still making the most of the season. To give you some ideas on what they can do in their freetime, here are some fun fall activities for seniors.
Fall Activities for Seniors
Whether your elders prefer to stay indoors or outdoors, there are lots of activities they can do on their own or with others, which can help them maximize the current season’s offerings. Should your senior relatives ever find themselves thinking of some new things to try out, keep on reading this article for some fun activities for fall, that also benefit the mind and body.
Take a Walk in Nature
When the wind is cool, the leaves are falling, and the air smells crisp and earthy, what better way to experience all that the season has to offer by taking a walk? Take your elder on a stroll around the neighborhood or pay a visit to a nearby park this fall.
Seniors who love nature may enjoy bird watching or simply basking in the fresh air. As simple as this activity is, the soothing act of taking a breather outdoors and basking in the environment helps to alleviate stress and induce calm for a quiet and peaceful mind.
Bake Homemade Treats
Baking is one good pastime, which fills both a hungry stomach and a craving for sweets. There are lots of fun ideas for your elders to try out when making homemade treats for fall. And, since Thanksgiving is almost upon us, these homemade treats will be a perfect addition to the table spread.
Whether it’s a hot pie, some delicious cookies, or a tray of chewy brownies with a hint of autumn spice, the act of baking in itself can help stir up their creative juices for a mildly therapeutic and relaxing experience.
Host a Fall Picnic
If you have a bit more time on your hands, and are looking for a brighter way to have meals, a fall picnic at a park or in your own backyard would be a good idea. Using woven baskets and rolled-down brown paper bags, pack your food in bite-sized portions, so eating them can be so much more pleasurable and hassle-free.
Once you’re done, warm yourselves up at the end of your meal with a freshly-baked slice of pie you can share for dessert. These gatherings, spent with close friends and family, help to brighten up your elders’ day as it gives them a sense of belongingness like no other.
Harvest Produce
They say fall season is for gardening, and we couldn’t agree more. Autumn is a great time to start harvesting what you’ve planted in the summer and springtime, and planting flowers and root fruits and vegetables for the coming season.
Take your pick from an array of perennial flowers and seasonal produce fit for the occasion. Aside from promoting regular exercise, as well as serving as a boost to fine motor skills, taking up gardening as a hobby also aids in supporting and improving your seniors’ balance and gait.
Try Crocheting
There’s no hobby quite like crocheting where you can either make your own artistic portrait or stitch up your own hat. Well-known for being a portable and affordable hobby, crocheting is a project you can easily pick up and drop in your spare time.
Since colder days are for lounging on the couch with warm tea, try adding in some flare to your elders’ routine by having them start their very own crochet project. While overall this helps to soothe and relax their mind and muscles, it’s also beneficial in preventing the early onset of dementia and memory-loss.
Read a Book
No matter the age, reading is a cool and quiet activity best enjoyed with a cup of joe or tea. Now that the weather’s perfect for this kind of setup, consider having your senior relatives spend some of their breezy afternoons with a book in hand.
Whether they’re into fiction, nonfiction, or inspirational books, partaking in this hobby alone can enhance their sleep and efficiently fine-tune their brain’s decision-making skills.
Take an Online Exercise Class
Age is just a number. While there may be limitations to what our body can do at a certain age, it doesn’t take away from the fact that we need exercise to keep our bodies fit and healthy.
Since fall has begun, and you may find less and less classes held outdoors, a good alternative would be to take an online exercise class for seniors. Not only is this a convenient way to get your elders working out, it also helps boost their strength, flexibility, and body coordination while reducing the risk of joint-induced falls.
Play Games
Contrary to what most people believe, games aren’t just for children. In fact, they pose a lot of advantages to a senior’s health and wellness. These include board games, cards, even digital games, depending on what suits their fancy.
Playing games help stimulate their visual-motor tracking for better movement and performance. Doing so also improves several cognitive functions, keeping the brain sharp and in tip-top shape as they age.
How to Stay Safe During Fall
During the season, cold nights and falling leaves can cause accidents, if not trouble, for our dear senior citizens. So you can have fun as you wish while minimizing risks, here are some tips on how to stay safe during fall.
Always Rake the Leaves
When we’re walking outside in nature, the falling or scattered leaves we watch and admire can pose a risk for falls and other untoward accidents. To avoid this from happening in our own homes, make it a point to maintain your lawn and backyard to prevent a buildup.
If you can’t do it on your own, at least seek help from a family member or a gardener to clean it up. In the end, having a clear driveway won’t only allow your seniors to breathe well in their surroundings, it also means that there aren’t any obstructions they may fall victim to as they walk outside.
Be Ready for the Cold
Since cooler air is going around, it can become a bit more challenging to stay warm and comfortable through the weather. To fight against that, be open to moving around furniture to block windows or doors where the air may seep through. Aside from keeping everyone safe and less prone to sickness, doing so will also prevent drafts from giving you a hard time closing those stubborn openings.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve given you some ideas on fun activities for your seniors to do this fall, we hope they never have a dull day indoors or out in nature. As fun as each of these are, and as relaxing or exhilarating some of them may be, rest assured they all provide great benefits to their mind and body, making these worth giving a try, regardless.
