August 30, 2024

Fall Activities for Seniors

Fall is nearly here, and the cooler weather encourages various types of resident engagement, both within the community and the greater Richmond area. Cedarfield supports a range of opportunities for residents to stay active and connected. From exploring new areas in the city to getting creative in the kitchen, Cedarfield residents lead vibrant lives during the autumn season and throughout the year. Explore these interesting pursuits this fall that promote learning, wellness and social interaction.

Volunteering

If you would like to give back to your community in a meaningful way, consider volunteering. Many organizations throughout the Richmond area are always looking for volunteers, offering a range of opportunities for active seniors with diverse interests. Here are a few options:

  • United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg supports numerous volunteer opportunities, including preparing and delivering literacy kits for local youth, restocking Little Free Libraries and providing tax assistance.
  • YMCA of Greater Richmond needs volunteers to tutor youth, coach youth sports, help with food and clothing drives and help package and distribute food to needy families.
  • Individuals who enjoy the outdoors can volunteer to help the Friends of Bellemeade Park clean, maintain and beautify the park grounds through various initiatives. Or consider helping the Friends of the James River Park plant trees, remove litter, maintain trails or provide basic trail, park and river safety guidance as a volunteer ambassador.
  • Animal lovers can volunteer at the Richmond SPCA to play with the animals, take dogs for walks, clean kennels or help at fundraising events.

Many museums also look for volunteers to help as guides, work in their gift shops or assist with educational programming or special events. If you are passionate about science, share your time and talents at the Science Museum of Virginia. For art lovers, volunteer to support the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts by greeting and escorting museum visitors, dusting the many displays or helping children in the Art Education Center.

Cooking or Baking Something New

Autumn is the perfect time to explore new culinary experiences in your own kitchen. Break out that family cookbook handed down for generations or look up a recipe on popular websites like Bon Appetit, Serious Eats or Epicurious to find something new to cook or bake. Look for recipes inspired by seasonal ingredients to embrace fall through a dish you have never tried.

Consider experimenting with recipes for apple cinnamon muffins, pumpkin soups or squash casseroles. Cooking stimulates the senses and provides an enjoyable way to express yourself creatively. Best of all, you can share your creations with friends and neighbors to enhance social connections while savoring the various flavors of the season.

Exploring a New Area of Town

As the temperature begins to cool, the leaves will soon be changing colors. It is an excellent time to get out and explore a new area in Richmond to discover architectural or historical gems throughout the city.

Consider roaming through Carytown, a bohemian district with unique dining, shopping and entertainment. Centered around West Cary Street, you will find many small, locally-owned businesses, including vintage emporiums and indie boutiques. You can also enjoy live music on Sundays at the Carytown Farmers Market through October.

If you are looking for an area steeped in history, explore Shockoe Bottom, a downtown riverside area with cobblestone streets. This area is home to a number of museums, including the Virginia Holocaust Museum and Edgar Allan Poe Museum.

Finding a Good Book

Following the autumn equinox on September 22, the days get shorter and the evenings get  longer. What better way to spend an evening than with a good book? Reading a book is both relaxing and mentally stimulating. 

If you need help finding a good book, get a personal book list created for you by the Henrico County Public Library librarians. Simply complete a form telling them your reading preferences, and they will email you a list of at least three suggested books. Then, place these books on hold for pickup at the nearest library.

Join a book club or start your own to share your reading experience with others. Book clubs promote socialization and might help you discover new books you might not normally select.

Attending Local Community Events

Autumn is a wonderful time for seniors to immerse themselves in Richmond’s many community events. One of the highlights of the fall season is the annual Richmond Folk Festival. This event runs September 27 – 29 (in 2024) and is one of Virginia’s largest events. Held in downtown Richmond on the riverfront, this free three-day event features performing groups on six stages. It also has a folk-art marketplace and various regional and ethnic foods.

For seniors interested in history and education, the Virginia Historical Society frequently organizes lectures and exhibits focused on the Commonwealth’s  past. Topics often resonate with history enthusiasts, such as upcoming events on John Adams, the American Revolution and civil rights.

Take advantage of these and other community events this fall to enjoy unique entertainment or educational experiences. These events also offer an excellent opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the local culture.

Discovering the Pathways to Wellness

Cedarfield's Pathways to Wellness program is designed to enrich the lives of residents throughout the year. This program consists of 10 key areas, including:

  1. Strength & Endurance: Personal training, fitness classes, balance programs and water aerobics help maintain physical health.
  2. Creative Expression: Oil painting, woodworking, pottery, crafts and photography encourage artistic exploration.
  3. Intellectual Growth: Lifelong learning through group lectures, educational partnerships, museum trips, book clubs and computer classes.
  4. Spirituality: Worship services, healing services, Bible studies and a lecture series to support spiritual well-being.
  5. Emotional Balance: Yoga, tai chi, pet therapy and resident support groups to support emotional well-being.
  6. Community Outreach: Give back to the larger community by volunteering or serving on committees or clubs to put their talents to work on campus.
  7. Dining, Diet & Nutrition: Renowned dining options, cooking classes and dietary education sessions promote nutritional wellness. 
  8. Social Connections: Community activities and support networks that include family and friends enhance social wellness.
  9. Brain Fitness: Piano lessons, language classes, brain games and other resident engagement maintain intellectual wellness.
  10. Cultivate: This pathway promotes gardening, environmental stewardship and personal development, emphasizing a life of purpose and connection.

At Cedarfield, there are always plenty of opportunities for resident engagement, no matter your interests. Learn more about our Pathways to Wellness program and our holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle when you contact us at 804 474 8788.