The best fall activities for seniors in assisted living

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it’s important to make sure that seniors in assisted living have plenty of opportunities to stay active and engaged. Here are six ideas for fun fall activities

1. Pumpkin Painting, Inspired by Pinterest

Gather little gourds and pumpkins, then invite seniors to decorate them as they please with provided paint, glitter, stencils, and so on. Modern pumpkin painting styles include brightly colored pumpkins in hues such as pink, teal, or white.

2. Welcome in the Trick-or-Treaters

There’s nothing quite like the presence of children to bring a smile to someone’s face. Organize trick-or-treating for children and their parents at your senior living facility with a local pre-school.

You can encourage residents to decorate their doors for Halloween and even dress up in costume.

3. The Most Memorable Fall Foliage Tour

One of the most popular autumn activities for seniors is leaf-peeping. allow them to see fall foliage up-close with a walk or bus tour led by a horticulturist or arborist from your local extension office.

Each state has an extension office that is part of a university. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds these offices so that they can provide educational outreach related to natural resources and agriculture. To find your local extension office, click here . In fact, your extension office may have other ideas for fall activities for seniors!

4. Take Tai Chi Indoors

Simply just incorporate the basics of tai chi into your fall prevention exercise routine. Tai Chi is a slow dance that involves standing or seated movements. It’s one of the greatest forms of exercise for seniors, clinically proven to increase balance as well as better sleep and memory.

5. Get Cozy This Fall With These Seniors-Friendly Hygge Activities

Have you heard about hygge (pronounced HOO-gah)? It’s the Danish word for “cozy,” and it’s one of the most popular lifestyle trends in the United States. Hygge is a concept that includes friends gathering by firelight or candlelight to enjoy each other’s company while performing simple, enjoyable tasks like playing games. Hygge activities are ideal fall activities for retirees!

You can also start a hygge meet up in your residence and encourage partcipants to wear their coziest apparel. Offer refreshments that are traditionally connected with hygge, like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. To set the atmosphere without creating a fire hazard, run a fireplace simulation DVD and invest in some realistic LED candles.

6. Digital Games Promote Wellness

North Carolina State University and the Georgia Institute of Technology found in 2013 that seniors who played digital games not only had better wellbeing and social functioning, but also lower rates of depression than those who avoided playing video games.

A wide range of games are available to choose from, including trivia, word puzzles, card games, and arcade racing games.

Don’t let the cooler weather keep you from enjoying all that fall has to offer! Get out there and explore all the wonderful activities of the season.