When the leaves start falling and it starts to get too cold to go out in your normal short-sleeved attire, it can only mean one thing. Fall is in the air. And with fall, comes Halloween. A holiday dedicated to spooky fun, candy, and costumes. Sometimes it can be hard to find fun and easy activities to do with your elderly loved one to celebrate the season. We have outlined 5 ways to engage in fall festivities with your elderly loved ones. Be sure to tag us @wearecareyaya when you post a picture of your family enjoying some of these activities!
Have a Halloween Movie Marathon
One of the best ways to enjoy Halloween with your family is to bundle up on the couch and watch your favorite spooky film. You can pop a bowl of popcorn and turn off some of the lights for the perfect viewing experience. We recommend watching Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, or The Nightmare Before Christmas. All of these classic films are just the right amount of spooky and lighthearted fun for all age groups to enjoy.
Make Fall Treats
Nothing says fall like the unforgettable flavors of pumpkin spice, apple, and cinnamon. A perfect way to spend time with your elderly loved ones during the fall season is by baking and enjoying your favorite fall treats together. Whether you have a coveted family recipe or are trying something new online, baking is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. The most classically delicious fall treats are apple cider, pumpkin bread, roasted pumpkin seeds, caramel apples, and pie! And, the fall fun doesn’t end once you are done with the baking. Getting to enjoy the goods with your loved ones and sharing in your baking success is the best part of this activity.
Decorate your Home
Crafting with your elderly loved ones can be the perfect way to bond with them this fall season. Covering you or your loved one’s home with different Halloween decorations can really set a positive mood for them daily and can become the perfect way to get in on the festivities. You can go out to your local pumpkin patch and pick out the perfect pumpkins to put on display in your home. You can even DIY spooky decorations with simple items you may already have on hand. You can use paper, tape, glue, and markers to create goblins, ghouls, and ghosts galore! Another simple way to celebrate the spooky season in your home is to put out fake cobwebs in your yard or around your home. Spider webs are a classic decoration, and you can pick up materials at any local craft store.
Costumes, Costumes, Costumes
The main appeal to the Halloween holiday is getting to dress up as anything you want. Whether it is a character from a book, movie, or tv show, or even a classic Halloween ghost, picking out costumes to wear with your loved ones will definitely get you in the Halloween spirit. You don’t even have to spend money on a costume. Get creative! Use what you have around your home to make the perfect costume. Once you and your loved ones are all decked out in your costumes, you can take pictures and share them with your whole family.
Go on an Autumn Walk
One of the most simple things you can do with your loved ones this fall season is to go on a walk around the neighborhood. If your elderly loved one is able to, take them to the park and look at the beautiful colors of fall. As the leaves on trees change color, it can be the perfect time to have photoshoots and enjoy nature with your loved one. If your loved one is unable to walk long distances, you can also take them with you on a scenic drive. You can still see the sights of fall in your town from the comfort of your car.
All in all, fall is one of the best seasons and it can be enjoyed by all ages. It is so easy to get in on the festivities with your elderly loved ones. Spending time with the seniors in your family by doing these activities will make them feel loved and appreciated, and it is the perfect time to form lasting memories as a family.
Emma Belk