Dear Caregivers,

After a hot, sticky summer, there’s nothing like that first cool day of fall! As the season of harvest and bounty, it’s one of the most beautiful times of the year. Fall is also a prime time to help the older adult in your life enjoy themselves in the new season! Whether your loved one wants to head to the great outdoors or enjoy their time inside, here are five fun fall activities perfect for older adults: 

1. Go for a Walk Through Nature: Fall is a great time to go for a stroll. If your loved one is up for it, going for a walk is one of the best fall activities there is. Studies have shown that walking is one of the easiest and most effective forms of exercise for older adults, that it helps boost energy and mood, improves cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, fights chronic disease, and increases overall longevity. Explore a nearby park or your loved one’s own neighborhood to soak in the fall colors. For those with more limited mobility, a scenic drive is a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of autumn. 
2. Enjoy Fun Seasonal Arts and Crafts: Working on projects helps older adults reduce their stress levels and practice mindfulness while also slowing cognitive decline and helping manage symptoms of dementia. For a true seasonal pastime, bring out the paints, brushes, and pumpkins to paint this season’s front step décor. For a less messy option, find the closest seasonal coloring and activity books that offer fun for people of all ages.
3. Bake Up Some Tasty Treats: During a hot summer, the last thing many of us want to do is work over a hot oven. In the colder days of fall, nothing warms the heart or the kitchen like a fun day of baking. Leave it up to your loved one to choose between apple cider doughnuts, sweet potato pie, spiced cookies or rich, fudgy Halloween brownies. 
4. Spend Some Quality Time in the Garden: There are plenty of hearty outdoor plants that love the autumn air, including seasonal favorites like mums. Succulents or tasty herbs opportunities for your loved one to care for an indoor garden throughout the autumn and into the colder winter months. 
5. Host a Fall Movie Night: As the days get shorter, darker evenings create the perfect atmosphere for a movie. How about breaking out old home movies for a fun, nostalgic family night? Or try a classic horror film? With football season here, perhaps a famous football film? Whatever you choose, fall is a great time to get comfortable and watch a movie. Enjoy!

For more information on how the Office on Aging can assist you with caregiving, contact Lisa Caudle, Long Term Care Manager at 410-535-4606, extension 122 or email: lisa.caudle@calvertcountymd.gov