COVID has certainly turned the world on upside down for just about everyone. This health crisis has been preventing people from around the world and of all ages from working, socializing and even performing some everyday activities. For younger generations this has been very inconvenient. However, for our older generations – at higher risk for complications due to COVID – the pandemic has restricted their activities significantly.
Now more than ever it is important for older adults and seniors to protect their health and to stay physically and mentally active for the remainder of the pandemic. New restrictions and limitations seem to be coming out daily. Making this even more difficult, they seem to be changing each day and vary state to state. With the winter months approaching, it can become challenging to find appropriate social distanced activities for seniors.
Before the blistering cold sets in, we here in the Midwest have the privilege of experiencing Autumn. The Fall colors, pumpkins, comfy food, and cooler days are all characteristics of this beautiful time of year. Let’s take a look at some activities that seniors can take part in painted by the backdrop of Fall.
- Walking
Many communities with “shelter-in-place” orders have made exceptions allowing outdoor exercise. With the leaves changing colors a walk around the neighborhood can provide sufficient exercise to reduce restlessness and improve overall mood and mental health. - Exercise & Strength Training
Yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and stretching can help seniors stay fit at home. These activities (if ability allows) can improve balance, flexibility, core strength, and overall mobility.
Strength training is also important for seniors. This necessarily involve lifting heavy weights at the gym. Many strength-training exercises for the elderly can be done at home while sitting or lying down.
- Dancing
Known for its cardiovascular benefits, dancing is a fun, low-impact way to stay active. As an added benefit, listening to some favorite music may even encourage your loved one to exercise their mind by taking a pleasant “walk” down memory lane. - Gardening
For older adults who enjoy being outdoors, fall gardening can burning calories improve mental health. Based on ability, there are other alternatives to digging around in the dirt outdoors. Potting small plants or herbs can have the same effects and can brighten the décor of ones living area. - Arts & Crafts
Older adults who have limited mobility can stay active at home by participating in arts and crafts. Whether it is knitting, crocheting, painting, model building, sewing or coloring. These are all great ways to maintain dexterity and stay active both physical and mentally.
These are just a few different options to stay active this fall for our seniors. How do you or the seniors in your life stay active as the seasons start to get cooler? We would love to share your ideas!
