Easy Fall Activities for Caregivers and Seniors

Fall is getting ready to snap into gear again. As temperatures begin to drop, people will undoubtedly become more energetic. For a few lucky seniors, August heat is no longer greeting them with the sun-drenched slap-in-the- face as they open morning doors. For others, in the Deep South, the hope for the soon-to-arrive fall temperatures only gives way to a less tortuous reminder they are still living their summer’s three-digit temperatures in September.

What type of fall activities can inspire seniors and caregivers that will not propel anyone into heat exhaustion? There are three safe yet very productive activities: listening to music, birding, and going on short trail walks. Regardless of the activity, seniors will benefit even more if social interaction is present.

Listening to Music

In spite of anyone’s age, music activates the brain. In dementia patients, music finds a way to sneak in and stimulate the brain.

• Play some favorite musical tunes on the radio, CD player or iPod. Identify the type of music your patient or a loved one may like. Along with the patient, follow the music’s beat by tapping your feet or clapping hands.

• Gather a few simple instruments, such as a basic tambourine, conga drums, or even maracas and use these while listening to music. Find out if the client previously played the violin, or the piano. Provide for the opportunity for active participation.

• Review the lyrics to a song and sing along with the patient. Record the song for your patient, and playback the song.

• Attend a concert or a symphony. Make sure the length of the program is not too long, if attending a very first concert.

• Before attending a musical concert or going to the symphony, identify what type of music will be playing and listen to some of the recordings along with the patient and loved one before attending the actual presentation.

Birdwatching or Birding

One of best seasons of the year to observe birds is in the fall. Birding is a brain-healthy activity, in addition to providing beneficial physical activity. Birding or birdwatching can start in your own backyard.

• There are just three main items you will need for birding: a good pair of binoculars, a notebook and a field guide.

• Join an Audubon group or bird watching clubs and participate in one of their birding tours.

• First, practice birding at a nearby trail or park; take the first trip slowly.

• Follow birding etiquette. If you need more information, go to Audubon’s website for birding etiquette. Most states have a wildlife commission’s website which may often include information about birding and birding etiquette. Follow required rules when observing animals in their habitat. Do not interfere with their nesting or cause animals to flee or abandon their young.

Trail Walks

Going on short nature trail walks can be rewarding for both client and caregiver. Walking can be relaxing in addition to providing beneficial physical activity.

• Walking with a partner provides for the opportunity for socialization and exploration of surrounding habitats.

• Trail walks offer multisensory experiences.

• Exercise and physical benefits:
One of the most rewarding benefits for both the caregiver and the senior is physical activity. In fact studies show time after time that lack of physical activity contributes to heart decline. A recent study titled “Effects of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time on the Risk of Heart Failure,” , published in the American Heart Association online journal Circulation gives credibility that remaining physically active is a necessity in order to limit the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Whatever your plans are for the coming fall, be inclusive in creating activities. Seniors will benefit from social interaction.

Senior Helpers understands the benefits of social interaction, physical activity and brain healthy activities.

Resources:

Brain and Music Connection; Music & Memory; Retrieved from: http://musicandmemory.org/about/brain-music-connection;

Effects of Physical Activity and Sedentary Time on the Risk of Heart Failure; American Heart Association’s Journal Circulation: Heart Failure; Retrieved from: http://circheartfailure.ahajournals.org/content/7/1/21

Studying the Basics: Birding Etiquette; Audubon; Retrieved from: http://web4.audubon.org/bird/at_home/bird_watching/basics_etiquette.shtml