8 Fall Activities for Seniors to Embrace the Festive Fall Season
As the air gets crisp and the leaves start to change colors, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll celebrate the fall season. Whether you’re a senior yourself or have a loved one in assisted living, you can benefit from these festive autumn ideas.
Try out these eight fall activities to get into the autumn spirit this year:
1. Celebrate Friendsgiving with Your Community
Fall can be a lonely time of year for some people. If you rely on your community for love, support, and encouragement, why not host a Friendsgiving?
Friendsgiving is Thanksgiving for your chosen family members — the friends you’ve invited into your life. If you are unable to visit your blood relatives for any reason this Thanksgiving, a Friendsgiving celebration is just what you need.
You can host a potluck-style celebration and ask your friends to bring one or two items each. This ensures everyone will have plenty of delicious Thanksgiving food to eat — everyone wins!
2. Go for a Festive Fall Hike
If you’re physically able to go on a hike, the best time to do so is during the fall season. You can go solo or invite a few loved ones to join you. Either way, you’re sure to love your colorful, crisp experience during autumn hiking.
In many places, the leaves change from green to red, brown, yellow, and orange in the fall. This makes for quite the scenic hike if you’re up for it. Make sure you pack plenty of snacks and water to fuel you as you hike and climb.
3. Have an Outdoor Fall Picnic
When you think of fall, you likely think of certain foods and beverages: apple cider, donuts, pumpkin pie, and turkey are just a few. What better time to enjoy an outdoor picnic than in the chilly fall season?
If weather permits, you can spread a blanket and enjoy a fall feast. This is a great way to celebrate Friendsgiving if you and your friends are nature lovers. You can all enjoy the brisk fall air while gathering together and eating delicious food.
4. Go to a Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin patches are full of festive fall activities and sights. You can pick your own ripe pumpkin straight from the farm or enjoy fresh apple cider. Some pumpkin patches offer hay rides, corn mazes, and other fun autumn activities as well.
5. Paint a Pumpkin
Many people think of going pumpkin picking in the fall, and painting your pumpkins can be just as fun. Once you’ve picked out a ripe pumpkin from your local pumpkin patch, show off your creativity with some brightly-colored paints.
You can have a few friends over and make pumpkin painting a group experience. This is a fun activity to do outdoors if the weather permits — you might even combine your fall picnic with this art experience!
6. Prep Halloween Treats and Goodie Bags
If you live in a neighborhood that gets trick-or-treaters, you can spread joy by preparing Halloween goodie bags for them. Children love small treats that they can enjoy on Halloween night, and you can add your creative touch to these delightful gifts.
Some items you might include in Halloween goodie bags include:
- Chocolates
- Sour candies
- Gummies/fruit snacks
- Plastic Halloween rings
- Small stuffed animals
- Confetti
- Festive temporary tattoos or stickers
These small items will brighten Halloween night for local children. Make sure you let parents know if there are any small items or other choking hazards in the goodie bags.
7. Gather Around the Campfire and Make S’mores
S’mores are an age-old fall treat. You probably think of bonfire smoke, marshmallows, and camping when you think of fall. Now is the time to enjoy delicious treats and laughter around a campfire with your loved ones.
Most nature parks have fire pits that you can use to host gatherings and make s’mores. Make sure you use sugar-free ingredients if you’re diabetic or have other blood sugar complications.
To make a s’more, all you have to do is toast a marshmallow over an open fire. Then, you place a square of chocolate between two graham crackers and add your marshmallow. You won’t regret trying this autumn staple.
8. Take a Trip to an Apple Orchard
Going apple picking can be just as festive as pumpkin picking. Take your friends and family to an apple orchard, and enjoy the experience of picking the best-looking fruits from the trees.
Once you’ve gathered plenty of ripe, juicy apples, you can use them in your kitchen. You might make an apple pie, apple crumble, or other fall recipe. You could even make your own fresh apple cider with the apples you pick.
Celebrate Fall in Style With These Senior Fall Activities
Don’t let this festive season pass you by. Try these fall activities for seniors to make your autumn season one to remember.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California including: Campbell, CA, Roseville, CA, San Marcos, CA, and San Mateo, CA.
