Looking Forward to Fall and Winter: Senior Activities for the Cooler Months

Blog  |  November 16, 2020

Senior Activities for the Cooler Months | As we enter the fall and winter seasons this year, things look a little different. Many seniors continue to isolate at home because of the Coronavirus pandemic and this can take a toll on their mental health.

It’s important for seniors to work with their families, caregivers, and health professionals to develop a plan that allows them to safely take part in activities they love and maintain positive mental health through activity and connection.

At any age, our health and well-being are enhanced by regularly participating in the things that bring us purpose, hope, and joy. For seniors, taking part in these activities can be more difficult, older people who feel younger than their age show less brain aging, better memory, and less depression. And studies show that staying engaged is important for a senior’s mental and physical health. Medical professionals recognize that social determinants of health, especially those that affect mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being, impact health outcomes and quality of life.

There are always opportunities for meaningful moments and joyful days with a little planning, conversation, and intentional action.

Fall Activities for Seniors

Fall activities tend to focus on connecting with loved ones, enjoying the turning season, and spending time outside before the weather gets icy.

• This year, many people can’t see their favorite sports teams play in person. But fall is a dream for seniors that enjoy football, baseball, and hockey and there are ways to participate virtually. Seniors and their loved ones can watch together over a video call or have a socially distanced viewing party at home, as long as everyone adheres to recommended safety guidelines.
• Enjoying fall foliage is an activity in itself, and can be done sitting on the porch, going for a short walk, or on a longer hike outside. Raking leaves can even be fun when done with loved ones.
• Eating is another activity that seems to be more fun in the fall – family dinners for those isolating together, baking projects, and Halloween fun are all opportunities for seniors to participate in activities they enjoy while maintaining their nutrition goals.

Winter Activities for Seniors

The holidays are filled with opportunities to enjoy music, celebrations with family, and community service.

• Holiday shopping is a fun activity usually done outside of the house. However, online shopping may be the best way for seniors to get their gifts without visiting the mall.
• Singing, dancing, playing instruments, and listening to holiday carols are ways that seniors can enjoy music, no matter what the weather looks like outside. Streaming music services often have a wide selection, allowing seniors to pick their favorites to listen to through a phone, virtual assistant, or computer.
• While there are ways that seniors can serve others year-round, volunteering can be even more meaningful around the holidays. Finding virtual volunteer opportunities is even easier this year – writing letters, knitting blankets, and finding old coats and sweaters to donate can all be done safely at home.

Comfort Keepers® Georgian Triangle – Leaders in Family-Focused Personal Health Care

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service offering Dementia Care and Palliative Care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle office.

Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle, is pleased to announce that we are a recipient of Accreditation Canada’s, Accreditation Primer Award. Accreditation is an intensive process in which an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures are examined by industry experts against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

If you live in the Collingwood, Midland, Owen Sound area, contact Comfort Keepers at (705) 293-5553, or email us at georgiantriangle@comfortkeepers.ca. Comfort Keepers Georgian Triangle is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

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References

AARP. “Keep Your Brain Active by Doing Things You Love.” Web (video).

Science Daily. “Feeling Young Could Mean Your Brain is Aging More Slowly.” Web. 2018.

Forbes. “The Risks of Social Isolation for Older Adults.” Web. 2017.

Lifehack. “19 Fun Activities for Seniors to Stay Active Physically and Mentally.” Web.

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