September 21, 2020
As the legendary writer and philosopher Albert Camus once said: “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
Here in Chicagoland, the world comes alive as the weather gets colder — even this year, in what is sure to be a fall like no other.
While we all do our part to stay safe and minimize the threat from coronavirus, there are still lots of ways for seniors and caregivers to get active, stay engaged in their community, and make the most of all that fall has to offer — from hot chocolate and pumpkin pie, to Halloween gatherings with friends and neighbors.
Fun, Socially Distanced Fall Activities for the Elderly
Looking for some ideas to help you keep cabin fever at bay and enjoy the cool, crisp months ahead? Here are ten fun ideas for a safe, fun, and socially distanced fall. What would you add to the list?
1.) Decorate Your Home, Inside and Out
Autumn is a time of rebirth and change. Seniors and caregivers can embrace all that the season has to offer by changing up their decor. Break out fluffy flannel blankets; trade in bright spring and summer colors for warm fall tones; and start thinking about moving your favorite Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations out of storage.
Looking for some ideas for fun fall decor? Check out these projects from the experts at HGTV and Good Housekeeping.
2.) Enjoy Time in Nature
Some say that the Chicago area is never better than on a crisp, golden fall day. To help your elderly loved one enjoy all that the season has to offer, look for ways to head out and experience the Great Outdoors — from going on a nature walk, to working on your lawn and garden, to planning a road trip through a nearby apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Just remember to dress for the cool and variable weather, and keep up all proper social distancing measures when going out in public!
3.) Turn Up the Heat In the Kitchen
Many people work hard to keep the oven and stove off during the summer months, to help keep things more cool and comfortable indoors. As the weather starts to get chilly and gray, though, now is the time to head back to the kitchen.
Create a shopping list of your favorite hearty and healthy fall foods, then start cooking and baking up a storm! There are lots of delicious and nutritious ingredients that hit their peak in fall, and so many classic dishes to try, from pumpkin muffins to rich soups and stews. For culinary inspiration, check out these guides from Taste of Home and Delish.
4.) Snuggle Up With a Great Read
As Joseph Addison once said: “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”
The cool days of fall can offer the perfect opportunities for seniors and caregivers alike to relax and unwind with a favorite classic novel, or discover the hottest read atop of the bestseller list. To make your reading area as comfortable and snug as possible, check out these ideas from Apartment Therapy.
5.) Watch Classic Fall Movies
Every serious movie buff knows that autumn is one of the best times of the year for sitting down and enjoying a great film. Whether you’re catching up with all of the new releases coming to streaming services; rediscovering a family favorite on tape or DVD; putting on a spooky Halloween classic; or even queueing up old home movies, this is a great season to whip up a snack, pull up a blanket, and have the perfect movie night in.
6.) Find Ways to Volunteer and Give Back
As we head for Thanksgiving and the holiday season, many people find themselves wanting to give back. In a year as unpredictable and hectic as 2020, giving back is a great way to take care of your community and express your gratitude for all the good things in life, especially in these difficult times. Look for virtual volunteer opportunities, as well as local events like food drives and coat drives. Consider donating some of your household’s unused items to a good cause, or making up homemade care packages for your friends and neighbors.
7.) Get Active Around the House
While gyms and indoor pools may be closed or operating on a reduced schedule, there are still lots of ways to get active at home!
Consider adopting a new senior-friendly indoor exercise, such as yoga, bodyweight exercises, or following along with a fitness video. You could even turn up your favorite song and do a little dance, or get busy with calorie-burning chores like sweeping around the house or tending to the garden.
8.) Get Crafty With Fall Projects
Pressing fallen leaves, hand-making Thanksgiving and Halloween decorations, knitting a blanket or scarf, painting a watercolor, making autumn flower arrangements… There is no shortage of ways to get creative and embrace the wonders of the fall season!
For fun and easy project ideas perfect for people of all ages to try out this fall, check out these resources from Good Housekeeping and Better Homes & Gardens.
9.) Start Getting Ready for Winter
Winter can pose some unique challenges for seniors, who are more susceptible to the effects of extreme weather and frosty temperatures. To stay busy this autumn, start thinking ahead to winter. Work with your whole family to create an emergency preparedness plan; start weatherproofing your home; brush up on your winter safety best practices; and cycle out your lighter clothes for your winter wardrobe.
10.) Connect With Friends and Neighbors
Fall is “back to school” season, and a time when people start refocusing on work after relaxing and traveling during the summer months. In other words? This is a time when people come together and connect. And while that may look a bit different this year due to COVID, there are still lots of ways to share time and make memories with the people who matter most — such as writing letters back and forth, to connecting through video calls.
Ready to Make the Most of Fall? We’re Here for You
Looking for ways to help the senior adult in your life enjoy their time this fall? Ready to get your loved one the support they need to live an active and independent lifestyle? We are here and ready to help.
At Companions for Seniors, our mission is to help older adults live independently and with dignity in the comfort of their own home by empowering them to lead an active and enriched lifestyle, connecting them with their community, and nurturing meaningful relationships.
Our companions are trained and bonded, and can help provide a variety of services designed to help seniors remain in the comfort and safety of their own homes, including providing assistance with housekeeping, activities of daily living (ADLs), driving services, and more. Our services are flexible, convenient, and it’s easy to get started. In most cases, we can be up and running in just two days.
Our companions are responsive and responsible, and we have always placed the utmost emphasis on protecting our clients’ health and safety. Right now, we are responding seriously to the continued threat of coronavirus by continuing to emphasize proper handwashing techniques, wearing masks, thoroughly disinfecting our company vehicles, and having back-up caregivers ready to step in at any time.
During these unpredictable days, we’re here to offer guidance and provide support, in whatever ways we can. Get in touch online using our handy contact form, or give us a call at 866-910-9020 to get started today!
