Fall activities for older adults that boost well-being

The summer is officially winding down, which means Fall is right around the corner! Embrace the change in weather and all the beauty and fun it brings with these fall activities that can boost your well-being.

1.     Get active and try yoga

While most gyms have re-opened, many fitness classes are still being offered virtually, which makes it easier and more accessible to try something new, like yoga. Yoga has many benefits including the potential to improve aspects of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. For older adults with type 2 diabetes, it can also help manage blood sugar and blood pressure. Yoga is an activity you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home, as it requires minimal equipment and can be modified, allowing you to work at your own pace and comfort level.

2.     Explore your creativity through the arts

Are you someone who enjoys expressing themselves artistically? The changing scenery provides a perfect opportunity to pull out your paint brushes and create something inspired by the colours of autumn. If painting isn’t your thing, artistic activities like dancing, singing, or creative writing can also have a positive effect on your health and well-being, and help with things like memory, problem-solving and reaction time.  

3.     Grab your apron and head to the kitchen

Thanksgiving is coming, and pumpkins are soon-to-be in season! Get creative in the kitchen by trying a new recipe. Food activities improve self-esteem and promote a more positive experience of aging.

4.     Cozy up with a good book

Finally, consider indulging in a good book, or joining a fall book club, virtually. Reading can relieve symptoms related to depression and dementia and is a relaxing activity that can help reduce feelings of isolation.

Create fond memories this fall and unlock potential benefits for your health and well-being by trying out some of these activities. To learn more about these strategies, read through our resources below.


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DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.