Fall Activities for Seniors With Dementia

Fall is one of the most enjoyable times of the year in Jacksonville, Florida, especially for seniors facing Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. If you or your loved one is dealing with some level of cognitive decline, spending more time outside enjoying the seasonal weather, vibrant colors, and company with friends and family members may help. Studies show that spending just two hours a week outside may boost cognitive function and improve mental health.  

To help you make the most of the fall weather, we’ve compiled a list of great outdoor activities for seniors with dementia.

Plan an Outdoor Picnic

Outdoor picnics can be fun for everyone involved. Best of all, they don’t require you to do a lot of planning ahead. You can pack some sandwiches and side dishes or pick up food on your way to greet your loved one at Fleet Landing. Then, you just need to find the perfect location for a picnic. Perhaps you might enjoy a spot overlooking our beautiful lake, or take them on a short drive to and picnic at a local park. You and your loved one can spend time reminiscing and enjoying your time together while basking in the sun and enjoying the warm fall weather.

Walks in Nature 

Another way to enjoy time in the great outdoors with your loved one is by taking a walk around our 125-acre grounds. Fleet Landing offers plenty of walking paths, and our community provides areas around Lake Constellation with benches to enjoy the view. Enjoying time together in nature, watching the boats sail in the lake, wildlife at play, or the beautiful gardens throughout the campus can boost your mood and stimulate brain activity.

If you’re hoping to take your loved one off campus for a bit, the Atlantic Ocean is just several blocks away. You can spend a few hours strolling the beach searching for seashells and other treasures, or you might want to set up chairs and watch the waves roll in and out.

Painting 

Painting is one of those autumnal activities you can enjoy both indoors and out. You can choose to purchase a blank canvas, paints, and brushes and give your loved one the freedom to paint anything they want. This option can spark creativity and give your loved one an outlet for expressing their feelings.

Another option is to buy a paint-by-number kit that comes with all the supplies you need. Consider purchasing a kit with a nature scene or some other familiar picture. No matter which option you choose, you and your loved one can enjoy hours painting and spending time with each other.

Bird Watching

Many seniors enjoy bird watching, and Fleet Landing is the perfect place for this activity. For people with dementia, bird watching is an effective passive mental exercise that allows them to stay alert and focus on a particular task, while also enjoying the calming beauty of nature. Our Residents and their visitors often frequent Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park for birdwatching- only a ten-minute drive from campus. For those who prefer to stay on campus, our community offers plenty of spots and ample seating for enjoying the sights and sounds of the numerous bird species. For example, our popular osprey nest has been a great source of fascination for many over the years. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a bird expert to enjoy this hobby. Plenty of online tools can help you out. For example, Cornell University’s Merlin Bird ID app lets you identify many birds by sound or sight. This app also allows you to keep track of each bird you see or hear. 

Music Therapy

Music therapy can be a powerful tool for those facing memory loss. It’s known to stimulate brain function, boost mood, and help fight depression. Music therapy involves activities like playing familiar songs to trigger memories and emotions, encouraging singing, clapping, or playing simple instruments, or using rhythm and movement to engage the listener both physically and mentally. 

For some one-on-one time with your loved one with cognitive changes, consider creating a playlist for them that includes some of their favorite songs. This gives you both a chance to sing some oldies but goodies with your loved one, or just sit back and enjoy listening to the music together.

Along with music therapy, we also schedule live entertainment events for the community throughout the year. Numerous music venues, such as the Alhambra Dinner Theater and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, are just a short distance from Fleet Landing.

For more information about Memory Support at Fleet Landing, call us at 904.748.2252 or contact us for a personal appointment to discuss your options.