Creative Ways for Seniors to Enjoy Autumn
Autumn is an inspiring time of the year to express yourself creatively through art, cooking, and connecting with nature. As summer becomes autumn, the cool crisp air is perfectly offset by the warm tones of the changing leaves, and you can look forward to every chance to wrap ourselves in cozy sweaters and add a dash of cinnamon to your coffee or tea. During the fall season, Participation in creative activities , either alone or with loved ones and caregivers, can improve your physical and mental health. With the start of this new season, embrace creativity with these fun, inspiring fall activities.
Painting with the season’s harvest
Bundle up and head outside to garner inspiration from autumn’s colours and textures. There are many helpful guides that can help you try out a new technique or material, such as acrylic paints, watercolour or pastels. Or, be extra creative and swap out your typical artist’s tools with some of the season’s harvest. Trade in your paintbrush for an apple stamp. Or, rethink your canvas and paint a portrait on a seasonal squash or pumpkin. Painting is especially beneficial for those who have Dementia or Alzheimer’s, because art therapy can improve mood and cognitive function.
Take a Walk in Nature and Turn Falling Leaves into Art
Don’t let the cooler weather deter you from going outside. Going for a walk during this colourful season is sure to benefit both the body and mind. Preserve the season’s striking hues while exploring nature by pressing fallen leaves with simple household items like wax paper, an iron, or your kitchen’s microwave! Or, use fallen leaves to create a lovely custom towel, pillowcase or napkin set – these make great homemade gifts for your loved ones too! If your grandkids are visiting, ask them to help you collect leaves and twigs, then make a rustic bouquet of autumn roses for each other. The artistic possibilities for colourful fallen leaves are endless.
Get Creative in the Kitchen with this Season’s Bounty
Autumn brings with it a beautiful array of fruits and vegetables: squash, pumpkin, apples, cranberries, beets, cabbage and more. Cozy up to a bowl of Squash and Bean Minestrone soup, or play around with some new flavours with Twice Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Hot Honey. For dessert, try a fresh take on the traditional pumpkin pie with these No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecakes for Two. And after you clean out your autumn squash or pumpkin, don’t toss out those seeds! Turn them into a delicious salty snack by toasting them in the oven.
Create Wearable Art through Knitting, Crochet or Needlepoint
Make some wearable art this season! Knitca.com sells beginner knitting kits, which come with an online video tutorial and everything you need to create your chosen project. If the art of crochet is more appealing to you, here’s an easy step-by-step guide to create a fundamental design called a “granny square” – these little squares can be connected to create scarves, blankets, throws and more. Or, if you’re really up for a challenge, take up the centuries-old art of cross stitch and choose from a collection of free, printable autumn designs to try. Knitting, crochet and cross-stitch is a relaxing, low-impact activity for those who have recently transitioned from hospital to home after surgery. With some seasonal inspiration, a curious attitude and a healthy dose of patience, you’ll be creating beautiful, functional art in no time!
With all the beautiful changes that come with autumn, it’s the perfect time to get inspired and channel your creativity into arts, crafts and activities. Whether you choose to get creative in your alone time, or share these ideas with family, caregivers and friends, we hope the coming autumn season brings a dose of creativity into your life.
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