Warm autumn days are perfect for admiring bright colours of nature, enjoying crisp air and the crunch of the fallen leaves under your feet.
The activities we suggest are simple, inexpensive, and fun!
Autumn offers a wide range of beautiful colours, which vary from summer green to fiery red. This might be the best time to enjoy autumn-themed colouring books. Colouring is an activity which everyone enjoys, from the very young to the very old.
As an added bonus, colouring has stress-busting abilities similar to meditating, according to psychological studies.
There are plenty of free, autumn themed colouring books available online or at craft and book shops. Our favourites are autumn scenes with trees, leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows, animals, and Halloween designs including a few classic Disney characters – the list is endless!
Here are a couple of simple and fun DIY ideas:
- An autumn leaf bouquet or garland will bring some gorgeous colours inside. Collecting fallen leaves will get you and your loved one out of the house to enjoy the fresh and sunny days
- Clove-studded orange pomanders are delicious-smelling and beautiful home décor. This activity is great to stimulate eye and hand coordination, a cognitive skill that contributes to wellbeing
Long evenings are perfect for working on an autumn-themed jigsaw puzzle. Get a cup of tea, spread the puzzle pieces on the table and get into the festive autumn mood – what a great way to celebrate this season.
The online retail store Amazon.co.uk offers a wide range of jigsaw puzzles specifically designed for people Alzheimer’s or dementia. They are beautifully illustrated, have vibrant pictures that are fantastic for sparking conversations and memories.
For people with different mobility levels, activity can be adapted:
- Open a window to smell the fresh air and take in the scenery.
- Relax in the garden.
- Walk to your local mailbox to post some cards and letters, then walk back.
- Stroll a block or two in the neighbourhood and say hello to friends.
These easy and cost effective autumn activities will reduce the seasonal blues your loved ones may suffer from and bring back joy and happiness – a simple way to combat low mood and depression.