It’s that beautiful time of year when temperatures cool down, and the trees turn lovely and orange. This is a great time to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside with some fun autumn crafts. Making an event out of these activities will help older adults enjoy the season, and it’s an excellent opportunity to have some good time with others and make some memories!
Crafts have the added benefit of improving seniors’ mental health. Completing an art project offers a sense of fulfillment. It increases self-esteem, especially for those with limited dexterity or mobility issues Crafts also help preserve cognitive function since the brain has to exercise in different ways to finish a craft project. This can also aid in preventing dementia, and simply giving older adults an opportunity to use their hands and fingers will improve agility and blood flow.
Fall Craft Ideas
The following ideas will help bring even more joy to this season!
- Making paper garlands: All this craft requires is some yellow, orange, and red paper to signify fall, which makes it very doable. Leaf shapes are relatively easy to cut out and will add an element of warmth to craft creations. After the garlands are finished, hang them around the house to create joy for months to come.
- Painting pumpkins: This is an excellent alternative to carving pumpkins for those with limited dexterity. A blank canvas in pumpkin form inspires creativity. It also allows seniors to remember forgotten moments AND create new memories.
- Making caramel apples: Caramel apples are a staple of fall and a reminder of youthful autumn days. If an older adult has trouble eating a whole apple, cutting it into slices before dipping into the caramel will make it easier to enjoy. To add an extra layer of entertainment, prepare some other dipping materials, like nuts or sprinkles, to decorate their apples with.
- Apple stamps: Another great use for apples! Cut them in half, then cover the flat side with paint. This creates a cute stamp that can be used for multiple crafts. Paint them orange for a pumpkin shape to use on cards or paper. Painting them red will make great apple shapes. This is an easy craft that will be perfect for older adults with less mobility in their fingers.
- Homemade napkin rings: Cut a toilet paper or paper towel roll into ring shapes, then cover them with felt or fabric to make a base for homemade napkin rings. Using inventive items to decorate with, like buttons or artificial leaves, will allow for even more creative expression.
Autumn is ripe for entertaining activities and time spent decorating the house. These meaningful traditions will keep chilly fall days full of warmth, laughter, and togetherness.
