Fun Activities for Seniors to Enjoy This Fall

6 Fun Activities

Being inside your home for more than three months can take its toll on your physical and mental well-being. But as lockdown and quarantine protocols begin to relax, it is time for you to unwind and enjoy the outdoors while still being perfectly safe. As the fall season starts, there is nothing better to do than enjoy the falling leaves and the crisp temperature outside with your grandkids. It also brings about exciting activities to do as the season also comes with holidays and celebrations. You can invite your family, senior friends, or you can just be by yourself, drinking your coffee by the porch and taking in the scenic beauty of autumn. Take advantage of the great season and plan for the perfect fall activities for seniors. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Take A Walk

  After the whole stay-at-home ordeal, one of the things you probably missed doing is your regular morning walks. Fortunately, fall is an ideal season for outdoor activities because of the cool temperature and lovely environment. Plus, walking is an excellent aerobic exercise for your physical health. It is a simple workout that has a plethora of good benefits for the body. Enjoy the crisp outside air with your family, friends, or pet. You can allocate 15 to 30 minutes of your mornings for a leisure walk around the neighborhood. Some of the things you should remember before going out include:

• Wearing the proper clothes and shoes to avoid accidents
• Dig up your parkas and sweaters for cold mornings
• Wear proper protective equipment like masks and face shields.
• Bring a bottle of water
• Bring an alcohol or hand sanitizer. Use it every time you put your hands on something.
• Maintain a distance of 6 feet or more to other people.

2. Pick Some Apples

  The fall season is also a time to see in abundance one of America's beloved fruits of all time apples! From apple pies to caramelized ones, who wouldn't love to have a bite of their sweet and flavorful taste Relish the outdoors by going apple picking. You get to exercise your muscles, eat some fresh apples, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Book a schedule to your favorite orchard and bring your family along to enjoy this outdoor activity. Make sure to call ahead of time because many apple orchards limit the number of people who go apple picking due to the pandemic.    

3. Go for a Hike

  If walking is too simple for you, then you can go all out by taking a hike in the woods! Hiking proves to be a good exercise for adventurous adults. It gets the heart pumping and your muscles moving. Moreover, fall has the perfect weather and atmosphere for a perfect hike. You will surely enjoy an afternoon trek with the cold temperature and colorful scenery in the woods. You can also bring a tent and spend the night in the wood campsite with other campers. Build a bonfire and enjoy some roasted veggies and s mores with your friends.   

4. Fall-Themed Munchies

  Outdoor activities are not the only form of excitement you can get this fall. There are plenty of fall activities for seniors that can be enjoyed indoors, including cooking. Cooking or baking is a therapeutic hobby that allows you to unleash your creative side while also taking care of your health. Some of the benefits of cooking also include:

• Increased nutrition
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Become a bonding session for you and your loved one
• Keeps your mind active

This fall, you can focus your baking efforts in making fall-themed snacks like pumpkin pies, squash soup, spiced apple cider, pumpkin bread, and cinnamon rolls. You can also buy some fresh Brussel sprouts or squash in your local farm and make it your main entry.

5. Arts and Crafts

  If you are the type of senior who has a penchant for all things crafty, then you can spend your fall afternoons by the window, creating beautiful arts and crafts. Some artsy activities you can enjoy this fall include:

• Painting the scenic view outside
• Organize an arts and crafts afternoon with your grandkids. Set-up little chairs and tables in the backyard and do some coloring and drawing.
• Make an autumn wreath for your door. Decorate it with pine cones and leaves.
• Get ready for Halloween by carving a pumpkin or making a scarecrow. Add in some scary decorations for the house.
• Start working on your DIY Halloween costume.

You can enjoy all these with friends and family or with your senior peers if you live in an assisted living community.    

6. Home Halloween Party

  Since partying with other people still proves too risky, you can instead host a Halloween party with your relatives and extended family in your own home. You can help them decorate the house and make each other's spooky costumes. For long-distance family members who can't make it, they can join in on the fun through video conferences. Or you can spend the night wearing your favorite jammies, eating buttered popcorn, and watching scary films until midnight. You can also commemorate lost loved ones by putting an altar with their pictures or sharing your best memory of them.

7. Hobbies That Makes You Happy

  The true essence of these fall activities for seniors is for you to enjoy and have fun. It does not make sense to plan and do something you won't enjoy. Life is short, so we say do anything that makes you happy. Being adventurous and spontaneous can be exciting, but it is also okay to just keep it simple. Some simple activities you might enjoy include:

• Lounging by the porch to read your favorite paperback.
• Sightseeing on your front lawn.
• Playing with your pet in the dog park or in your backyard.
• Raking the leaves in the garden and playing in it with your grandkids.
• Meditating
• Writing a journal
• Joining social activities in the senior community

These simple activities can make your fall season worthwhile as long as you are having loads of fun.