Posted on Oct 14, 2020 in Senior Activities
It’s that time of year again when weather and colors are changing, the leaves falling, and the festive season is right on the horizon.
Even if you’re a fan of summer, chances are you’re ready to see the back of it this year after the carnage of coronavirus.
If you’re feeling restless but you’re stuck for ideas, we’ll explore a range of activities today that should keep you occupied through the coming months.
Let’s get right down to business.
Walking is a free and accessible means of exercise for all seniors with many proven health benefits.
If you find strolling in the summer too hot for comfort, fall removes that excuse so why not get outside?
Fall is the ideal time for a ramble as the trees and bushes take on spectacular colors and the temperature drops without leaving you freezing.
Now, excuse the play on words, but you need to watch out for falls in fall! According to the NCOA (National Council on Aging), falls are the primary cause of injuries (both fatal and non-fatal) for older Americans.
The key to staying safe when you’re out walking is to stay within your limits. If you’re struggling with mobility, try to go out for a walk with others so you won’t fall unattended. Stick to walking around your neighborhood and visiting a local park if you can’t undertake a more ambitious walk.
You should also remember to wear a face mask and observe social distancing when you’re outside. As a senior, you’re at heightened risk of complications from coronavirus, so take no chances and pop on a mask along with your warmer clothing.
As the weather gets colder, you might find yourself more drawn to baking again.
Nothing reminds you that Christmas is on the horizon like autumnal treats like baked apples, pumpkin cheesecake – try this no-bake version for added ease – and some sweet, sugared cookies.
Mixing up your ingredients and getting creative in the kitchen are great stress-relievers. After a year like 2020, who doesn’t need a bit of that?
If you’re stuck for inspiration, check out these mouth-watering fall baking recipes.
If you have grandchildren, this is the time of year you’ll be seeing more of them than ever.
Visiting a pumpkin patch is a great way to get involved in the Halloween spirit.
The fun needn’t stop once you’ve grabbed your pumpkins either. Head home and get some pumpkin crafting on the go.
Regular pumpkin carving is a great way to get started. Spend some quality time with your grandkids as they have fun getting messy and telling you their Halloween plans.
If you’d sooner not have all that mess in your house, try painting the pumpkins instead. This activity is ideal for all ages and won’t leave your home looking like a war zone.
Use any leftovers for a tasty pumpkin pie.
With Halloween not far off, you could prepare yourself in advance if you enjoy distributing candy and treats to neighborhood kids.
This year, go the extra mile and make sure you get some treat bags in advance and you can ensure a contact-free evening without losing the fun factor.
If an older relative is suffering from dementia, get them to help you prepare some bags of mixed candy into an assortment of containers. They can’t go wrong, and this type of activity will make them feel included while also giving their brain a welcome workout.
If the chaos caused by COVID-19 has left you feeling down or even depressed, why not hunker down and try some digital games?
A 2013 study by the Georgia Institute of Technology and Carolina State University showed that seniors who played digital games noticed improved social functioning and better overall wellbeing. Rates of depression were also lower among seniors who played digital games.
Here’s a wide cross-section of online games to help beat boredom.
If you haven’t tried playing games on a digital device before, why not take a look at our simple guide detailing some actionable technology tips for seniors? If you’re already well-versed in iPads and laptops, you can skip this basic advice.
Now, how about something at the opposite end of the spectrum when you’re trying to disconnect?
If you need to relax and unwind, you could try some mindfulness activities or meditation. Not only is this a smart way to combat depression and loneliness, but you can also help delay the onset of cognitive decline.
You could also try experimenting with yoga, known to have many health benefits for seniors. Tai chi is another senior-friendly discipline worth investigating.
While you might not be sitting outside in the garden as much over the fall, it’s the best time of all to get your planting done if you’re lucky enough to have a garden.
If you’ve never tried your hand at planting before, tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are all hardy perennials that will bloom year in, year out. All you need to do then is wait impatiently for spring and the budding flowers.
For anyone lacking green fingers, here’s a look at some easy-care plants ideal for seniors.
Perhaps you don’t have a garden, or maybe you don’t have enough mobility or energy to get outside.
Grow some herbs indoors or some indoor plants that don’t call for too much TLC. Succulents and cactus work especially well as they thrive on neglect. The inbuilt kicker is that a single succulent can make hundreds of new plants. Building out a cactus garden doesn’t take too much effort and the results are truly impressive.
Now, we’ve kept plenty of activities up our sleeve as we’ll be revisiting this theme over the coming months.
We hope things are leveling out for you and that you’re staying safe as we wait to see how the pandemic plays out.
If you’re starting to think you might enjoy your retirement more fully in the sanctuary of an assisted living community, you can call the most convenient Landmark community for you right here.
