We tend to start slowing down our activities once the fall arrives. It’s a bit cooler outside and our thoughts turn to more indoor things to do. But it doesn’t mean we should stop completely.
Keeping our minds and bodies active is great for our physical and mental health. Just because it’s colder outside doesn’t mean we all need to hibernate. Here are some great activities to boost the well-being of seniors.
Fall Activities
Depending on where you live, fall often comes as a great relief from the heat. It’s also one of the most beautiful seasons.
Take a Walk
Taking a walk through your neighborhood, through a nearby park, or even driving out to some local trails is a great way to enjoy the cool crisp air. The changing leaves are always a treat.
Walking is great for everyone. It gets our circulation moving, is good for our heart and lungs, and helps control body weight. It is a great way to get exercise and spend time with family and friends.
Visit a Farmer’s Market
There is always something for everyone at the local farmer’s market. You are supporting your local growers and getting fresh, local food for a great price. There are often several growers participating.
You can also find locally made jams, baked goods, and other crafts. Some even have a petting zoo, homemade ciders, and other juices, as well as other treats, and sometimes even games for the kids.
Food Preparations
With the abundance of fresh vegetables ready in the fall, it’s the perfect time to try your old favorite recipes. Roasted vegetables are great as side dishes and can be used for all sorts of sauces, stews, and more.
Canning and preserving is a great way to use up all kinds of fruit and vegetables, whether you grow them yourself or buy them fresh. Can some tomatoes, beets, and seasonal fruit.
Pumpkin Carving
Carving pumpkins can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to get family and friends together and enjoy a fun activity. There can be a lot of laughter, as well, as you all try to make the best pumpkin.
Use the pulp from the pumpkin to make a puree. You can make pies, jams, sauces, and so much more. Challenge yourselves to find new fun recipes. Roast the seeds to eat and enjoy.
Indoor Games
If mobility is a concern or the weather isn’t cooperating, try a few board games or jigsaw puzzles. These are a great way to spend quality time together and have a nice chat about what is going on in their life.
It keeps hands, fingers, and minds sharp. Playing games together is often relaxing and can bring on healthy conversations that often get forgotten due to time constraints.
Arts and Crafts
Knitting and crocheting are great pastimes and also lead to fabulous items that will be treasured. Quilts and afghans, sweaters, scarves, and other clothing items are much nicer to have when someone makes them for you.
You can also make some decorations for the upcoming holidays. Thanksgiving and Halloween decorations can be fun to make and can be used for many years to come.
Talk
Whether you sit around at home, out at the park, or in a local cafe, conversation is a lost art. Sit down with your loved one and have a good chat. All too often, seniors get lost in our busy lives.
Let them lead the way, and encourage them to chat about how they are feeling, what’s on their mind, and if there are any problems you should know about. Let them broach the subject, as you don’t want them to feel pressured.
Boosting Well-being
As adults with aging parents, it can be a challenge to manage enough time to see them. If you or your family can’t always be there, you can hire a caregiver to help you out.
You can also consider a medical alert system. That gives you and them peace of mind and will make sure that they are always safe. It’s great to know that someone will always be there, even if you can’t.