As winter approaches, you may be tempted to retreat physically and mentally, preparing for the coming months with shorter days and icy temperatures. However, there are many fall activities for seniors to challenge that mindset. The weather cools, the leaves turn, the air seems fresher, and the earth tilts on its axis, bringing low, slanting light from the sun.
The Benefits of Being Active in the Fall
The benefits of older adults staying physically and mentally active are well documented. Physical fall activities for seniors that are active can help with the following:
- Improving sleep
- Boosting energy levels
- Relaxing muscle tension
- Decreasing the risk of falls
Due to the mind/body connection, physical activity also improves mental health by increasing energy levels, building confidence in your abilities, and improving your mood. Likewise, keeping the mind active, interested and connected to the world can eliminate the physical effects of isolation and depression.
According to the National Institute on Aging, keeping the mind active may even improve brain health.
Here are six fall activities for seniors.
1. GET CRAFTY AND CREATIVE:
Occupy your mind and hands with these crafty and creative ideas!
- Celebrate the season with some fall-inspired craft creations, like these projects from CountryLiving.
- Delish provides recipes for 32 healthy fall treats.
- For those interested in painting, drawing and sewing, Lion Brand Yarns provides a list of 10 charities where knitters and people who crochet can donate their handiwork.
2. STRENGTHEN THE BODY AND MIND:
Enjoy the cooler weather and the changing foliage by walking around your neighborhood. It’s great exercise, mentally relaxing and free.
Remember to exercise to strengthen your body as well. If you have concerns about your ability, DailyCaring has online videos of gentle, seated chair exercises.
You can also calm your mind and body through meditation. Research indicates that meditation may enhance memory, slow cognitive decline, improve digestion and circulation, and lower stress.
3. HAVE FUN:
If you have access to a fire pit, a perfect fall evening might be a fire in the backyard. Roast some marshmallows (or serve fall treats) and share memories with family and friends.
For indoor fall activities for seniors, online games allow you to compete with people around the world.
Connect – or reconnect – with loved ones by composing a family history. Call or email family members and friends, and gather the memories that tell the story of your family.
4. LEARN SOMETHING NEW:
It’s important to keep learning because it provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps your mind active.
Start by learning about others. Writing letters may seem quaint or even old-fashioned, but it is a great way to learn about someone, where they live and what they’ve experienced. MarthaStewart.com lists multiple pen pal programs of which you can be a part.
Reading, whether from a book, an article online or listening to an audiobook, provides another way to expand and keep your mind active. So is learning a new activity. For example, if you’ve never cultivated an indoor herb garden, this information from Good Housekeeping can get you started.
Ted Talks is a nonprofit organization that provides short but powerful talks on topics from science to business to global issues. Take a listen and learn something new!
5. LISTEN TO MUSIC:
Music can soothe, stir memories and emotions, and inspire us in ways that nothing else can. For those who are tech-savvy, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Pandora allows you to stream the music of your choice wherever you are. If not – there is nothing wrong with the good old radio!
6. BE A VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER:
There are plenty of places that have once again been embracing in-person volunteers. You don’t have to be physically present to be a volunteer. Points of Light provides information on virtual volunteer opportunities. Opportunities include mentoring and helping others with health, literacy, and general skills, as well as many other volunteer roles.
For more senior-friendly ideas to stay active all year, visit our blog.
