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 prior to the weather changes.
The Benefits of Being Active in the Fall
The benefits of staying physically and mentally active are well documented. Physical fall activities for seniors can help with the following:
- Improving sleep
- Boosting energy levels
- Relaxing muscle tension
- Decreasing the risk of falls
Because our minds and bodies are connected, physical activity can also improve mental health by increasing energy levels, building confidence in your abilities, and boosting 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 to try this season:
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.
2. STRENGTHEN THE BODY AND MIND
Enjoy the cooler weather and the changing foliage by walking around your neighborhood or local park. 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 down 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 activities, online games allow you to compete with people around the world and get lost in well-crafted storylines.
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. Finding a pen pal can connect you to someone you would have never met otherwise.
Reading — whether from a book, an article online or listening to an audiobook — provides another way to expand and keep your mind active. So does learning a new activity. For example, if you’ve never cultivated an indoor herb garden, it can be a great way to have fresh herbs on hand for any meal.
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 VOLUNTEER
Volunteer opportunities exist for people of all ages. You don’t even have to be physically present to be a volunteer. Points of Light provides information on virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities. Opportunities include making meals for people in your community, creating stuffed animals for children in the hospital, making check-in calls to local seniors, and many more!
For more senior-friendly ideas to stay active all year, visit our blog.
