It’s that time of year again when weather and colors are changing, the leaves falling, and the festive season is right on the horizon. There are so many reasons to love autumn! Even if you’re a fan of summer, chances are you’re ready to see the back of it this year after the carnage of coronavirus.

What better way to spend time with your loved one than with these fall activities for seniors! Some of these ideas promote mental and physical activity, socialization, and plenty of opportunities to grow closer with your loved one.

Seasonal Adult Coloring Books

Coloring books aren’t just for children anymore! According to psychologists, coloring reduces stress similarly to meditation. Over the last few years, the number of coloring books designed specifically for adults has soared. You don’t even need to purchase a pricey coloring book, either. Instead, you can find hundreds of seasonal coloring pages online, all for absolutely free!

Homemade Decorations

Decorating is a great way to set the seasonal mood. Plus, your loved one likely has fond memories of decorating their home each year. Making homemade decorations together is affordable and gives you time to bond. As you and your loved one create, you can reminisce together. If you typically shy away from arts and crafts, don’t be afraid to try something new! The following fall projects for seniors are easy enough for anyone to try — even if you’re not the craftiest person. You can also find tons of cheap art supplies and decor at any dollar store

• Fall leaf garland
• Clove-studded orange pomanders
• Ribboned pumpkins

Autumn-Themed Puzzles

Puzzles and socialization are great for older adults’ cognitive health. Besides that, what’s cozier than an afternoon spent working on a seasonal puzzle with your loved one and a warm beverage? Even if you don’t make much progress, it’s an excellent opportunity to share memories. You can even play your loved one’s favorite songs in the background to create a more comforting environment.

Homemade Seasonal Treats

You can’t beat the flavors of the season — especially if it’s homemade by you or your loved one! Even if you’re not much of a baker, you’d be surprised how enjoyable this fall activity for seniors can be — especially if you use family recipes.

But even if you don’t, here are a few simple recipes worth trying:

• Baked apple roses
• No-bake pumpkin cheesecake
• Soft-glazed pumpkin sugar cookies
• Baked apples with oatmeal streusel topping

Prepare For A Socially-Distanced Halloween

Do you or your loved one look forward to handing out candy to trick-or-treaters each Halloween? Unfortunately, with the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, it may not be safe for your loved one to hand out candy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! This year, consider individual grab bags in place of a bucket of candy. Not only does it minimize contact, but giving your loved one a chance to help can provide them with a sense of purpose. This is also one of the most beneficial fall activities for seniors with dementia because sorting candy can help keep them focused and contribute to something meaningful. They can’t go wrong, and this type of activity will make them feel included while also giving their brain a welcome workout.

Enjoy The Sights And Smells Of The Season

You already know that exercise increases the production of feel-good chemicals. But did you know that fresh air can uplift your mood, too? Getting outside before the temperatures get too cold is an excellent way for anyone to stay active and avoid the winter blues. Walking is a free and accessible means of exercise for all seniors with many proven health benefits. If you find strolling in the summer too hot for comfort, fall removes that excuse so why not get outside? Fall is the ideal time for a ramble as the trees and bushes take on spectacular colors and the temperature drops without leaving you freezing. Now, excuse the play on words, but you need to watch out for falls in fall! According to the NCOA (National Council on Aging), falls are the primary cause of injuries (both fatal and non-fatal) for older Americans. The key to staying safe when you’re out walking is to stay within your limits. If you’re struggling with mobility, try to go out for a walk with others so you won’t fall unattended. Stick to walking around your neighborhood and visiting a local park if you can’t undertake a more ambitious walk.

If your loved one has mobility issues, you can modify fall activities based on their needs, such as:

• Opening the windows to let in fresh air
• Relaxing on the patio, backyard, or porch
• Taking shorter walks, whether to the mailbox or around the block 

Develop A New Skill Or Hobby

If you’re cooped up inside, why not try fall activities for seniors that offer a sense of purpose? Learning a new hobby can go a long way toward this. You can help your loved one find a class or group of friends to hone these new skills together. Or, the two of you can watch online tutorials at home and learn together.

Practice Meditation, Yoga, or Tai Chi

If you need to relax and unwind, you could try some mindfulness activities or meditation. Not only is this a smart way to combat depression and loneliness, but you can also help delay the onset of cognitive decline. You could also try experimenting with yoga, known to have many health benefits for seniors. Tai chi is another senior-friendly discipline worth investigating.