When the air is crisp, and all the leaves start changing colors, it can only mean one thing: autumn is here. This is one of the best seasons to enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of the summer heat. There are all kinds of fun activities to do that will make you look forward to each new and chilly day.
“Fall is a perfect season for seniors to enjoy the outdoors. You’re not worrying about the heat, and winter is still a couple of months away,” says Matt Petrauskas, Director of Sales Training and Support at Luther Crest, a Diakon senior living community in Pennsylvania. “Older adults should definitely avail themselves of the fresh air and all the fun activities that happen at this time of year.”
1. Leaf Watching.
Leaf watching, or leaf peeping, is a must-do for fall outdoor activities. Pennsylvania has beautiful state parks with trees with red, orange and yellow leaves. Appreciating fall foliage in the great outdoors is the perfect way to spend a fall day – and will give you the peaceful tranquility when you connect with nature.
If you’re looking for a day with more activity, you can plan a hike through the many trails around Pennsylvania. You can make it a fun outing with friends.
While creating a day out of leaf-watching is a lot of fun, you can also appreciate the trees around you in your neighborhood. Take a simple stroll outside to see all the changing colors in leaves right outside your door.
“The Kayhart Arboretum at Luther Crest is the perfect spot for leaf watching for residents who want to see the leaves change,” said Matt. “There are all kinds of beautiful trees to look at on our three different walking paths.”
2. Apple Picking.
Apple cider, caramel apples, fresh apples off the tree – fall is peak apple season. Visit an orchard to enjoy fresh apples. Picking some for later is a great fall activity. While the air may be chilly, you’ll have the warm sun to give you your daily dose of vitamin D. You can try your hand at making some of these delicious apple desserts.
3. Go to a Harvest Festival.
It’s common for communities to have harvest or fall festivals to celebrate this particular season. These festivals often have music events, craft shows and sell delicious food. Find one near you today!
4. Enjoy a Bonfire.
Gather around a fire pit or bonfire with friends to socialize. Enjoy classic bonfire snacks like s’mores, hot chocolate or hot apple cider to get into the fall spirit. Don’t forget to bring your warm clothes and a cozy blanket!
5. Visit a Pumpkin Patch.
Whether you’re looking for decorative pumpkins to match your harvest decor or you’re looking for the pumpkin that will be your jack-o-lantern for Halloween, visiting a pumpkin patch is one of the best outdoor activities in the fall.
Walking amongst the vines and admiring all the different shapes, sizes and colors of pumpkins is enjoyable and benefits your physical health. Simply by walking briskly, you can increase your energy, improve your mood and help prevent or manage health conditions like stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease.
6. Photography.
Many of these fall outdoor activities are in scenic, natural spots. If you’re looking to explore a new hobby, photography could be an enjoyable activity this season. You can capture the bright orange pumpkins, shiny apples and all the warm colors the harvest season offers.
7. Have a Harvest Picnic.
Spending time outdoors doesn’t always have to be activity-oriented. You can host a delicious harvest picnic – a picnic inspired by fall.
Bring your plaid blankets and some battery-operated candles to help set the mood. You can serve foods like apple cider doughnuts, a charcuterie board made with fresh apples, cheese, grapes and nuts, harvest salads with pears and feta cheese – anything with fall flavors will fit right in at your picnic.
Enjoy Every Season at Luther Crest
No matter the season, life is beautiful indoors and outdoors in Pennsylvania. Diakon’s senior living communities offer quality care and service in various lovely Pennsylvania settings!
