Autumn Activities for Seniors
By Michelle Jackson, MiCAFE Network Screening and Application Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan
Autumn or Fall is such a beautiful time of the year, especially in Michigan, and is just around the corner. Soon we will have beautiful maple leaves to explore and will admire the mixed colors that come with the new season. Many Michiganders enjoy taking walks near the lakes and walkways through the parks and woods. You can find fun places to explore and watch the leaves change color through the Department of Natural Resources.
Michiganders also enjoy visiting Michigan’s finest apple orchards and pumpkin fields that often offer freshly made donuts, apple pie, and cider. Many older adults in Michigan love the fall weather because it’s not too hot or cold. They can comfortably get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and visit with friends. Fall holidays like Thanksgiving give families time to celebrate together and appreciate the beautiful fall weather. Being surrounded by loved ones, homemade food, football games, and watching kids play and jump in huge piles of leaves are all activities that Michiganders look forward to as summer draws to a close.
Autumn is a great time for seniors to take safety precautions. Here are 5 Autumn Safety Tips for Seniors.
- Get the flu vaccine – Getting a flu shot may help you avoid getting sick.
- Watch out for tripping hazards – The cold weather can cause joints to become stiff making it more likely for you to trip over objects. Keep an eye out for surfaces that could be slippery from fallen leaves or ice.
- Stay warm – The older you get the more likely you are to suffer from hypothermia. Wearing many layers of warm clothing can help you regulate your temperature.
- Protect your skin – During the cold weather when homes are heated the air becomes very dry. It is important to take care of your skin by staying hydrated, use a humidifier, and use a skin lotion or cream.
- Eliminate fire risks – Space heaters, electric blankets, and fireplaces are a few of the winter fire hazards. It is important to make sure all the heat sources in your home are in good condition before being used during winter. Fall is a good time to check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
Check out Pure Michigan to find Fall color updates, Michigan Fall adventures, and other ways to enjoy and celebrate this special season.
Michelle Jackson is an Economic Security Team Member for MiCAFE as well as an MMAP counselor at Elder Law of Michigan. Michelle has been a member of the Elder Law of Michigan team since March 2013. As an Economic Security Team Member and MMAP counselor, Michelle assists Michigan seniors with benefit applications and serves as an advocate for the health and safety of seniors.