Fall is here! The season of harvest, pumpkins, changing leaves and crisp autumn breezes offers so much to do and enjoy. You can participate in community events or come up with your own ideas that fit your lifestyle. Is your perfect day taking a scenic walk with a warm beverage? Do you prefer baking a pumpkin treat at home with loved ones?
There’s no shortage of fun fall activities, so be sure to take advantage of the beautiful weather and take some time to reflect on fond memories. We’ve compiled a list of the top autumn activities for retirees so you can stick to your priorities of staying active and socializing as the weather gets colder.
Things To Do This Fall
Engaging in stimulating activities is essential for people of all ages. However, participating in events, hobbies and social activities can be particularly beneficial as you age by improving your emotional health, stress management and cognitive function. If you’ve recently retired and want to make the most of Pennsylvania’s golden landscape, check out these retired living activities to add to your calendar.
1. Decorate Your Space
Get yourself in a cozy, autumnal mood by decorating for fall and Halloween. Keeping your living space decorated for each season can promote joy and positive memories. If you love Halloween, shop for some spooky decorations and candy. If you prefer more neutral décor, you can include fall leaves, pumpkins and autumnal flowers to bring color to your home. Taking time to put extra care into your space can make all the difference.
2. Make Festive Homemade Treats
One of the best fall and winter activities is trying out new recipes! Baking goods during the fall season is a great way to get in the holiday spirit and enjoy some delicious treats with your loved ones. If you’re not too experienced with baking, choose a simple recipe like these pumpkin oatmeal cookies or cranberry cornbread.
If you want to try something a little more challenging, consider making maple pecan monkey bread or a caramel-apple crisp skillet. Feel free to dig into your family recipes and bake a traditional apple pie! Whatever you make, be sure to enjoy the mouthwatering results with friends or family.
3. Complete an Autumnal Puzzle
Want something you can do at home in front of a warm fireplace with a cup of tea? Try a fall-themed puzzle! Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to relax and unwind while keeping your mind engaged. Choose an autumnal puzzle that features colorful foliage, harvest scenes or charming pumpkins to help you get in the fall spirit.
Next, brew a nice warm beverage and grab a loved one to join you. You can also move the puzzle to your patio or porch if you want to enjoy the brisk air.
4. Go on a Nature Walk
When the temperature is cooler and free of humidity, there’s nothing better to add to your monthly activity calendar for retirees than taking a leisurely stroll outside. This fall season, be sure to spend time in the fresh air. You might visit a local park to walk along a forest trail or simply admire the fall foliage around your neighborhood. Nature walks are a wonderful way to get light exercise — and you get to take in the beautiful scenic changes, too! Take pictures of your favorite leaves you see along the way to share them with loved ones.
5. Enjoy a Fall Picnic
There’s nothing like a change of scenery to get you inspired this fall. Organize a fall picnic with your neighbors, friends or family. You might consider hosting it if you love to cook, or you can coordinate a potluck and have everyone bring a seasonal dish.
Check out your local parks or nature reserves for the perfect spot to set up your picnic. You can even do it in your own backyard! Along with food, bring some warm apple cider or another autumnal beverage to sip and enjoy as you and your group share your favorite memories and stories.
6. Try an Outdoor Art Project
Let your creativity shine with an outdoor art or crafting project. You can use what you have at home to create a DIY seasonal craft or visit your local craft store for paints, fabric and wood cutouts. You can paint a “Welcome Fall” sign for your front door or pick your favorite autumn leaves and use them to create a cute fall wreath or centerpiece.
On your nature walks, you might also spot some pinecones. Grab a few of them and paint them in vibrant fall colors to add to your potpourri dish or mantel for an extra splash of autumnal décor.
7. Plant a Garden
Gardening activities are not limited to spring and summer. A great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the fruits of your labor is planting a fall garden. Fall is known as the harvest season for a reason! Root vegetables like beets, carrots and radishes tend to grow well during this time of year. You can also plant flowers that will bloom after winter and reward you with gorgeous colors in spring. Some popular plants you can add to your garden include violets, chrysanthemums, tulips, marigolds, sweet alyssums, petunias and hydrangeas.
8. Carve or Paint Pumpkins
There’s nothing better to get you in the fall spirit than pumpkins! If you can visit a pumpkin patch nearby, pick one yourself! If not, you can always buy one from the grocery store. Carving pumpkins is one of the most beloved fall traditions. You can print out a stencil online to create the perfect Jack-o’-Lantern. If carving is a little too messy for your liking, paint them instead! Dress up your pumpkin to fit your décor by painting bats, fall leaves, florals, polka dots or smiling faces to welcome guests to your door.
9. Go to a Local Event
You can find plenty of retiree-friendly community events near New Holland, Pennsylvania. For instance, the New Holland Farmer’s Fair runs the first week in October and Garden Spot Village hosts Explore Retirement Living the third Saturday, each October. This county-wide open house allows people to explore retirement living at the 17 Lancaster County Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
No matter what type of fall activities you try this season, be sure to pick something new and exciting to enjoy with those you love most. Whether that’s baking a pumpkin pie to share with a neighbor or taking a walk to delight in the autumnal foliage, Garden Spot Communities knows how important it is for retirees to have access to social and community events. Our Pennsylvania community features multiple neighborhoods to give you that small-town living experience.
We offer a range of floor plans, including apartments and cottages, so you can find a space that works for your needs. We host year-round events where you can celebrate the holidays, meet new people and enjoy your hobbies. Check out one of our Look and Learn events to get a glimpse of village life with us! Contact us online to schedule a visit and learn more about active living.