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The temptation for seniors as winter approaches, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, might be to retreat physically and mentally, preparing for continued isolation.
However, fall is a great season to change that mindset. The weather cools, the leaves turn, the air seems fresher, and the earth tilts on its axis, bringing low, slanting light from the sun.
The importance of older adults staying physically and mentally active is well documented. Physical activity provides a number of benefits:
Due to the mind/body connection, physical activity also improves mental health by increasing energy levels, building confidence in one’s abilities, and improving one’s mood. Likewise, keeping the mind active, interested, and connected to the world can eliminate the physical effects of isolation and depression.
According to the National Institute on Aging, keeping the mind active may improve brain health.
Here are six activity categories that will keep seniors active this fall.
Occupy your mind and hands with these crafty and creative ideas.
Celebrate the season with some fall-inspired craft creations, like these projects from CountryLiving.
Delish provides recipes for 32 healthy fall treats.
For those interested in painting, drawing, and sewing, Lion Brand Yarns provides a list of 10 charities where knitters and people who crochet can donate their handiwork.
Enjoy the cooler weather and the changing foliage by walking around your neighborhood. It’s a great exercise, mentally relaxing, and free.
Remember to do some exercises to strengthen your body as well. If you have concerns about your ability, DailyCaring has online videos of gentle, seated chair exercises.
You can also calm your mind and body through meditation. Research indicates that meditation may enhance memory, slow cognitive decline, improve digestion and circulation, and lower stress.
If you have access to a fire pit, a perfect fall evening might be a socially-distanced fire in the backyard. Roast some marshmallows (or serve fall treats). Share memories and the warmth of the fire with family and friends.
For indoor activities, online games allow you to compete with people around the world, as well as puzzles of all types.
Compose a family history. Call or email family members and friends and gather the memories that tell the story of your family.
It’s important to keep learning because it provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps the mind active.
We can learn from others. The idea of writing letters may seem quaint, but it has also been a great way to learn about someone else, where they live and what they’ve experienced. AARP shares some information about pen pals and how to join the O’Neill Center Pandemic Pen Pal Program. Reading, whether from a book, online or listening to an audiobook, is another way to expand and keep the mind active.
Learning a new activity is also a good way to stay active. For example, if you’ve never cultivated an indoor herb garden, this information from Good Housekeeping can get your started.
Ted Talks is a nonprofit organization that provides short but powerful talks on topics from science to business to global issues, take a listen and learn something new.
Music can soothe, stir memories and emotions, and inspire us in ways that nothing else can. For those who are tech-savvy, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or Pandora allows us to stream the music of our choice into our homes. If not – nothing wrong with the radio!
You don’t have to be physically present to be a volunteer. Points of Light provides information on virtual volunteer opportunities.
Opportunities include mentoring and helping others with health, literacy, and general skills, as well as many other volunteer roles.
THE HOTTEST WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY FOR SENIORS: WWW.LIFESTYLEWEARABLE.COM
