With the onset of the brilliant hues and cool weather of the fall season beginning, it’s time to stretch the legs of our seniors. This is a great opportunity to let them enjoy recreation outdoors. So, if you are a manager at a community for senior living in Clinton Township, then ready your thinking hat to complete your list of fun fall activities.
Let’s explore a few of them!
Practice Mindfulness Activities
Some may view tai chi, yoga, and meditation as initiatives for the young ones – millennials and GenZ. However, these are not limited to them. These might even be more helpful for older adults since it’s a de-stressing activity that will not wear out their bodies. In addition, studies showed that mindful activities like these are effective in delaying cognitive decline and combating depression.
This fall, start your list with this senior-friendly discipline to give both their mental and physical state a boost.
Attend Wine Tastings
One of the best activities to try is to attend wine tastings. The autumn season is the perfect time to visit a local vineyard due to the seasonality of the product.
Whether your seniors are wine lovers or not, they will definitely enjoy this trip. For one, various researches have backed up the claim of the different health benefits brought about by wine. They revealed how it could lower the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease if drunk in moderation. The wine pairings with local farmer produce are also a must-try in this place.
Aside from filling up your belly with this delicious drink, the vineyard calendars are also jam-packed with several activities catering to non-connoisseurs. If some of your elderly are not allowed to take a sip, they might enjoy the live music, yoga, art shows, and comedy in these vineyards.
Start Indoor and Outdoor Gardening
Believe it or not, fall is the perfect time to push through with gardening. What’s good about it is that you can proceed with the mix of both indoor and outdoor, depending on what plant you want to take care of.
This autumn season, you may start planting hardy perennials such as daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. All you have to do is arrange its initial planting and wait for spring to be able to witness their budding flowers. It does not require much care since they only bloom year in, year out. This is a perfect initial plan for those who are just learning the ropes of gardening.
However, there are, of course, seniors who have limited mobility to explore the outdoors. One workaround to do this fall is to jumpstart a mini garden indoors. It does not have to be a formal space where all the plants are clumped together. Instead, they can scatter their collection in several rooms in their senior living facility to give the place a warmer and homey vibe.
The best plants to go for indoors do not require too much tender loving care, such as herbs, cactus, and succulents. Although they don’t need too much attention, the results will still be remarkable.
Go Hiking
Autumn is a perfect time to go hiking. Since it’s not too hot and not too cold, this comfortable weather will definitely allow seniors to enjoy their walking experience.
To start, make sure to explore various routes where you can hike. Consider whether these are senior-friendly and safe to avoid any complications with your residents. What’s good about traversing the outdoors is that they can exercise their physical bodies, discover new flowers and plants, relax with the ambiance of fall, and get a chance to see wildlife.
Nothing else can beat the benefits this activity provides to the elderly. It can increase cognitive function levels, improve balance and flexibility, and prevent health issues in the participants.
Visit the Farmer’s Market
You don’t have to produce fruits and vegetables to appreciate this harvest season. It’s exciting to indulge in fresh and local produce this fall, especially if you’re going to use these as part of your everyday menu. To experience this treat this autumn, the first step is to visit a local farmer’s market. This is an opportunity for you to purchase your healthy cravings.
Believe it or not, your choices in the farmer’s market are not limited to just traditional organic vegetables and fruits. A couple of vendors will showcase artisan products that were usually just found in gourmet boutiques in the past. They also offer a wide array of food products like dairy and custom bread. Don’t forget that you can also buy candles, soaps, flowers, plants, and native honey from them.
Given that the Farmer’s Market is usually catered to those seeking a healthier lifestyle, this is a perfect opportunity for your seniors to improve their health. Additionally, they should not only wait for the food that senior living in Clinton Township is serving; they should also be involved in the buying and choosing process of their meals so they’ll feel more inspired to push with the recommended healthy living.
Try Leaf-Peeping
Whether you’re a nature lover or not, leaf-peeping is an activity that everyone will enjoy. Mother nature puts the orange and red color palette in focus, and this can be further appreciated with a leaf-peeping activity. In addition, experts revealed that this is also a great way to destress seniors who are usually cooped up in the insides of their own homes or living facilities.
There are various options to go about this activity. It may be as simple as a long casual walk with the group if the parks and neighborhoods are just near you. There are also leaf-peeping tours that you can join, conducted via biking, bus, train, and walking. Take into consideration the distance of the place and the wellbeing of your residents to choose the best option.
This Autumn season is the best time to enjoy the warm ambiance of the outdoors. Therefore, make sure to keep these activities in mind when drafting your fun fall activities list for your seniors!
