There’s a lot to like about fall in Kirkland. Cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to spend time outside, the trees begin changing around Lake Washington, and the arrival of a new season gives you a good excuse to shake up routines that may have started feeling a little too familiar.
And you don’t need to fill your calendar with an endless number of commitments to enjoy it, either. Embracing the season can be as simple as taking your morning walk somewhere new, meeting a friend for coffee, signing up for a class you’ve been curious about, or planning an afternoon out to enjoy the changing scenery.
The best fall activities for seniors are up to you: the ones that help you stay active and connected while giving you something to look forward to as the days grow shorter.
If you’re looking for inspiration, Kirkland offers plenty of ways to make the season your own.
Take Your Usual Walk Somewhere New
If walking is already part of your routine, fall is a good time to change the scenery. You might spend an afternoon exploring part of the Cross Kirkland Corridor, a 5.75-mile trail running through the heart of the city, or head to Juanita Bay Park, where you can walk along the waterfront and watch for wildlife.
There’s good reason to keep moving as the weather cools: the CDC recommends that adults 65 and older aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening and balance activities. Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of falls, support brain health, and help you maintain your independence as you age.
Of course, your afternoon walk doesn’t have to feel like a workout (even if that is your ultimate goal). Staying active is easier when you’re doing something you genuinely enjoy, so bring a friend, take photos of the changing leaves, or stop for coffee afterward.
Try Something You Haven’t Done Before
Fall can be a good time to try something new, especially once the pace of summer begins to settle down.
The City of Kirkland offers a broad selection of activities for seniors through its programs for adults 50 and older. Depending on what interests you, you can find fitness and dance classes, arts and crafts, lifelong learning opportunities, special events, and the Kirkland Steppers walking group.
You can take the same approach within your own community. Join the class you’ve been walking past, or sit down at a game table even if you don’t know how to play yet. Try painting, gardening, cooking, dancing, or another hobby you’ve always been curious about.
And remember: you don’t need to be particularly good at something for it to become the highlight of your week.
Make Your Fall Traditions Social
Think about what you already enjoy about fall and find a way to share it with someone else.
That might mean planning a scenic drive to see the foliage, or baking an old family recipe with a friend. You could have coffee somewhere overlooking Lake Washington or organize a football watch party. Don’t forget about those festive fall crafts, either!
Beyond just accomplishing the goal of having fun, there’s a health benefit to that time together. Older adults are among the groups at greatest risk of social isolation, which, when paired with loneliness, is associated with increased risks for several serious health conditions, which makes staying connected an important part of healthy aging.
A shared cup of coffee might seem like a small thing, but small things have a way of becoming the routines and traditions you look forward to most.
Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
The days are getting shorter as we move into the fall season, but your calendar doesn’t have to shrink along with them.
One advantage of senior living activities is that opportunities for connection are already part of everyday life. You don’t always have to coordinate transportation, find someone who’s free, or organize every detail yourself. You can see what sounds interesting and decide to join in.
At MorningStar Senior Living of Kirkland, we invite you to try a new activity, share a meal with friends, join an outing, or just enjoy having more time for the things you already love…because many of the responsibilities of maintaining a home have been taken off your plate.
Fall reminds us how much can change in a relatively short time, and that’s part of what makes the season worth enjoying.
If you’re considering senior living in Kirkland, schedule a tour of MorningStar Senior Living of Kirkland and see how a community built around connection, activity, and choice could fit into the life you want to lead.
