It’s hard not to graciously welcome the seasons when they come, especially when it comes to the weather. Autumn’s almost tangible energy brings with it the promise of new possibilities and opportunities. This season, take advantage of the rich variety of opportunities you can use as a time to express yourself to yourself and your surroundings. It is an ideal season to nurture relationships among loved ones and neighbors regardless of their age.
11 Autumn Activities for seniors
Crisp air, blue skies, and autumn’s magic are among the best things about autumn, but for seniors it may also usher in a quieter season with less contact with friends and families. Families often get back to busy routines after the holiday season, which can reduce time for fun and visits. But it’s not over yet, and aging parents can engage in fun activities year round.
You can keep your older parents connected and busy this fall by participating in these 11 activities:
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See a farmers’ mart
Autumn is a great time for visiting a market as markets tend to be full of fresh produce as well as jams, preserves, baking, and handmade goods. Taking advantage of fresh, local treats is not only a wonderful way to extend summer, but trigger fond memories in many seniors. Did they make homemade jams, pies, and relishes? At the market, they will happily share their past.
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Take family pictures
Taking autumn family photos is a great time to spend time with your aging parents, so why not take some family pictures with them? As our children grow up, we often worry about capturing them with us, but it’s even more important to capture some shots of them with the whole family, including their grandparents. Even a simple visit to a park can yield precious memories in the future.
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Share back to school information with your friends and family.
Tell your grandparents a few details about your kids starting school this fall, or your older kids starting university. Is there anything that interests them most? What do they look forward to most? Calls and visits throughout the year will be more worthwhile for both parties if details are shared early.
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Take part in a fall community supper
A lot of places of worship and communities tend to host autumnal suppers to bring residents and community members together. It is a good opportunity for your mom or dad to reconnect with local friends and acquaintances, and these valuable connections can last through the winter.
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You can find crafts and/or hobby shows at local fairs.
Some of our senior parents enjoyed crafts or hobby at one point in their lives and many still do! A hobby or craft show can help reinvigorate a lapsed interest, bring back childhood memories, and be a memorable outing for all.
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Drive in the nation
Many areas of the country offer beautiful fall scenery, making an afternoon drive an ideal outing for seniors with little mobility limitations. They can enjoy a comfortable ride and still participate in a relatively inexpensive activity.
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Football games together can be attended or seen
As fun as it can be to watch a professional football game, as entertaining is watching a high school or community football game – especially when one of your grandkids is playing. There’s no reason why older adults can’t join in on the fun, so have them cheer on their favorite team, or join in on the fun at a pro game. Don’t forget to bring snacks and jerseys for everyone!
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Invite family over for apple picking or other fall chores
Older parents can probably handle most things with some care and support if they live in their homes. However, the change of seasons and additional responsibilities may be tricky for older parents to manage alone. You can bring family over to pick apples that are laden on a tree in the backyard. Rake leaves and tidy your flower beds, leaving your parents warm and ready for winter.
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Build a bulb garden in your own or someone else’s
Even if you don’t live in the same city, you can share a few plantings around springtime. Even if you don’t plant bulbs together, it can make the winter shorter! Anticipation of good things can be the key to getting through the winter.
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Get a dose of nature’s fresh air in this beautiful mountain area.
Enjoy the fall with your older adult by spending time in nature. Get comfortable and take in the fresh air, admire the autumn colors that are on display, and walk around hearing the crunch of fallen leaves. Keep your older adult safe and healthy by wearing a face mask (if it is safe) and by keeping a safe distance from other people.
Adapt mobility-related activities to each individual’s needs:
- Take in the fresh air and scenery by opening the window.
- The porch or backyard is the perfect spot to relax.
- The mailbox can be reached by walking to it and back.
- The neighborhood is the perfect place to stroll around.
- We walked through a nearby park
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See a pumpkin spot
Typically, families spend the fall visiting pumpkin patches to select the pumpkins they will carve for Halloween, and perhaps some to decorate their front steps with. Get plans together to bring them along, as well as buy extra pumpkins for the porch. Seniors also enjoy these traditions, so grab some hot chocolate or cider.
Some of the ways to ensure your senior parents get out and stay connected with family and neighbors are to schedule smaller outings, others bigger ones intended to bring everyone together. These are just a few examples. It’s important to make sure you remain in touch and keep making plans – that’s the key to seeing your loved ones have fun this fall. We all like things to look forward to, and it’s a great time to do so.
