October 29, 2021 Lucy Tasar

6 Festive Fall Activities For Seniors

Fall is finally here, with crisp air and falling leaves. Halloween is just around the corner and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! In preparation for the coming holidays, we have compiled a list of safe, fun, and festive activities that seniors can partake in to lift their spirits as the days begin to shorten.

1. Watch Spooky or Holiday Movies

It’s not Halloween without a spook, many streaming services currently have many options to get into the spirit. Some classics are:

- - - “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”
    - “Ghostbusters”
    - “The Addams Family”
    - “House on Haunted Hill”
    - “Little Shop of Horrors”
    - “Young Frankenstein”
    - Anything Hitchcock: “Psycho,” “The Birds,” “Strangers on a Train,” “Dial M for Murder,” “Rear Window,” “Rebecca”

After the spooky season has passed; it’s time to appreciate your family, give thanks for all you have, and eat until your heart desires! Some movies to get you into the Thanksgiving spirit:

- - - - “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving:
      - “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles”
      - “You’ve Got Mail”
      - “For Your Consideration”
      - “Grumpy Old Men”

2. Read a book

There’s nothing like snuggling with a comfy blanket while listening to the wind rustle the leaves outside your window with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa and a great book! Reading can be fun alone, in a book club, or with grandchildren. The local library is a great place to find a Halloween themed book or check out an audiobook. Some classics that can be read alone or in a book club are:

- - - “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving
    - “Dracula” by Bram Stoker
    - “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
    - “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allen Poe
    - “The Wendigo” by Algernon Blackwood
  - Some books that can be read to grandchildren, or you can have the grandkids read to their grandparents;
    - “Bonapart Falls Apart” by Margery Cuyler
    - “Monster Academy” by Jane Yolen & Heidi E.Y. Stemple
    - “My Monster Mama Loves Me So” by Laura Leuck
    - “What Was I Scared of?” By Dr. Seuss

3. Fall Themed Coloring Pages

Coloring isn’t just for kids anymore, it has been found to relax the brain, restore feelings of well-being, and reduce tension. “Adult coloring requires modest attention focused outside of self-awareness, Scott M. Bea, PsyD says. “It’s a simple activity that takes us outside ourselves in the same way, cutting the lawn, knitting or taking a Sunday drive can all be relaxing.” There are many free printable coloring pages online, here are a few to get you started:

4. Fall Themed Puzzles

Being stuck inside when the weather isn’t too inviting, is the perfect invitation to do a puzzle. You can find many puzzles in online stores that have festive fall themes. This is a great activity to celebrate the season and it’s perfect to do with caregivers, loved ones, friends, and even grandkids.

5. Decorate For Fall

Bringing Fall decor inside is a festive way of getting into the mood of the season. This can be something as easy as a perfectly placed pumpkin or twoand maybe a cinnamon scented broom, or you can get more creative and make your own decorations. Here are a few easy DIY decor ideas:

6. Bake or Cook A Festive Treat

Fall has some of the best flavors. Hello, Pumpkin Pie Spice! Also, the act of baking or cooking a treat can be fun and rewarding for older adults. Treats can be shared and enjoyed while doing any of the above activities. Many people have family recipes they love to make during this time. If you’re looking for some new and interesting recipes, here are some fun and easy treat ideas: