The summer months can be trying for our older loved ones. The heat, humidity, bugs, and even the tourists can all be overwhelming. But once the weather starts to cool, it can be much easier to enjoy activities.
There are plenty of things to do in the fall that won’t cost much and can be enjoyed by the whole family. It can be the perfect time to spend with your loved ones without the worry of heat or noise.
Perfect Fall Activities for Seniors
Finding the best activities for your older loved ones may depend on their various abilities, like sight, mobility, or even cognitive issues.
Farmer’s Market
A trip to the local farmer’s market is a great way to spend the day. It’s an activity the entire family can enjoy. Not only can you find great produce, but there are homemade treats, like jam, bread, and cakes.
There are often local artists who sell their crafts there, as well. It’s the perfect way to get some great deals, unique items, and support your local farmer and the community.
When you support your local farmer’s market, everyone wins. The artisans who make jewelry or baked goods, the farmer with his produce, and you get a bounty of goodies you can enjoy all year.
Enjoy the Fall Harvest
Whether you picked up your goodies from your local farmer’s market or harvested them right from your own back garden, there is plenty you can do with your fall fruit and vegetables.
Bake apple pies, carve pumpkins for Halloween, then bake pumpkin pies, roast some root vegetables, and try some new recipes for your abundance of fall produce.
It’s a great way to spend family time together. Making up casseroles and other dishes that can be frozen allows you to stretch the produce for many months and enjoy the fruits of your labor well into the winter.
Take Long Walks
A long walk on a fresh crisp day with leaves crunching underfoot is a perfect way to spend time together. Visit a local park, walk along the lake, or even just walk around your neighborhood.
You can walk to a local cafe for coffee, or window shop along the street and see what types of fall items are on display. You may even want to meet up with other friends or family to enjoy the cool air together.
It’s the perfect way to get a bit of exercise in and maybe have an intimate chat with your loved one. It’s relaxing and it’s free, so get in as many walks as you can before the snow starts to fly.
Country Drive
Very little in nature is more spectacular than the changing of the leaves. The vibrant colors are breathtaking and don’t always last very long. Pack up the car with the whole family and make a day of it.
Chances are you will find a farmer’s market along the way where you can take pictures with giant pumpkins and load up with local fruit, vegetables, and other delectables, like jam, baked goods, and local crafts.
Take a picnic along with you and supplement it with the fresh produce you find at the farmer’s market or fruit stand. If there is no place to stop, check out a local cafe or restaurant for a nice family lunch.
Set up an Indoor Garden
Just because the outside garden is finished doesn’t mean you can’t still have fresh flowers, herbs, and other blooms. Put together some window boxes for your indoor garden.
It doesn’t take much to get many plants to thrive indoors. All you need is a bit of light, some containers, soil, and the seeds or cuttings. It’s a great project for anyone who stays inside all winter.
Certain herbs will grow well, like mint, basil, thyme, plus other items like spring onions, garlic, and even tomatoes can be grown indoors. Add a few blooming flowers and you will have a complete oasis right in your home.
Family Dinner
Getting the family together for a nice meal while you can still sit outside is a great way to see everyone, make some great dishes with your fall fruit and vegetables, and spend some quality time together.
Have a few games planned for the younger ones, like lawn bowling, a tag football game, or other family favorites, like hide and seek. Get everyone to participate, make it a potluck, and enjoy your time together.
If you are worried about a loved one being on their own in the fall, consider getting them a medical alert system. This allows them and you the freedom to let them enjoy their activities knowing that help is just a button press away. Give everyone peace of mind with a medical alert.