Autumn Activities for the Elderly

Even though we’re not likely to get the sort of temperatures we’ve had in previous months, autumn can still present us with opportunities to enjoy the garden. Whether it’s preparing flower and veg beds for their winter hibernation or making the most of those last rays of sun, there are still things we can be doing in the garden. An impromptu afternoon tea can be fun while the sun’s still shining, or if you’re more adventurous, you can prepare an entire picnic. Get ready to grab the tablecloth and bring it all inside at a moment’s notice, though, if the heavens decide to open!

In the autumn, it’s also sensible to play it safe as temperatures cool down and plan indoor activities that don’t have to be postponed due to the weather. Many people enjoy listening to the rain as it pounds the outdoors while being cosy inside with a good book. Or, if reading isn’t your thing, listening to golden oldies on the radio in front of the fire is also an enjoyable pastime. To listen to ‘radio like it used to be’, with music from the 50s to the 90s, check out Solid Gold Gem.

If you’ve always been keen on music or the theatre – or perhaps both – visiting events in your local area can be a great way to keep your interest alive. Finding out what’s coming to your nearest theatre is as easy as searching What’s on Stage or calling your local theatre and asking if they can send a programme out to you. As we approach the festive season, there are usually shows suitable for all the family, so if you’d like to accompany your grandchildren or attend as an extended family, it’s the right time of year to do so.

DIY is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no escaping the fact that even the newest homes will need maintaining. You may be lucky and have talented tradespeople in your family, however if you don’t, it’ll be important to get someone trustworthy to carry out the jobs in your home that you aren’t able to manage. Websites such as My Builder and Trust a Trader mean that you can search for people who are experienced in the tasks you need doing, and family members will no doubt be happy to help if you’re not confident going online yourself. Word of mouth is still often the best way to find reliable tradespeople, so speak to family and friends about who they employ to carry out jobs around the home.

If you’re considering a short break before all of the festive madness begins, why not consider a few days away with entertainment included? Many hotels are adults only if you’d prefer not to have lots of children around, and companies like Warners also include shows during your stay, so you get to relax in beautiful surroundings and be entertained too. If you’d prefer to stay closer to home, there are lots of ways to be entertained locally, whether it’s literary festivals, art exhibitions, music recitals, or sporting events. Search the local paper or look out for flyers being put through your door to publicise local happenings.