VISITING ANGELS SOUTHLAKE, TX 817-684-1996
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Bring Back the Nostalgia of Fall: Sensational Activities for Seniors

Grandparents celebrating Halloween with grandchildrenFor most people, engaging in conversations about the good ol’ days with family and friends is therapeutic and enjoyable. Sharing stories about childhood, vacations, raising a family, and holiday gatherings is a way to pass along family tradition and memories to the next generation. Most large family gatherings naturally move to reminiscence as a way to reconnect with their loved ones.

Reminiscing is especially beneficial for someone living with memory loss. It gives that person a sense of purpose and meaning, while allowing them to engage with friends and family without feeling lost or confused. Reminiscence helps increase communication and provides a reprieve from boredom for someone living with dementia, or any senior in general.

Fortunately, reminiscing doesn’t need to wait until the next family gathering. Reminiscing is one of those activities that can happen at any time or day. There’s very little preparation involved, although adding a few props can enhance the moment. As we head into fall, here are four reminiscing activities that are sure to add sensation and nostalgia to any senior’s day.

Carve a Pumpkin

There is nothing more sensory engaging than carving a pumpkin. Take time to bring back Halloween memories by carving a pumpkin with your aging loved one. If possible, take your loved one to a pumpkin patch or store so that they can select their own pumpkin. Then, head home to scoop out the insides and carve a design. Pause to explore the insides of the pumpkin—feel the cool, stringy guts, notice the pumpkin seeds, feel the ridges of the pumpkin. During the activity, reminisce about carving pumpkins as children. Were there any years where your loved one carved a stellar pumpkin or won a pumpkin carving contest? Is it something they enjoyed as a kid or doing with their own children? What did you do with the pumpkin after Halloween?

Sit Down with a Cup of Cider

Have you ever noticed how an aroma can elicit such a powerful memory? Scents journey through our olfactory bulb, or the smell-analyzing region of the brain. The olfactory bulb is closely connected to the amygdala and hippocampus, which are responsible for memory storage and emotion. The next time you visit with your aging loved one, sit down with them over a cup of cider, warm or cold. Encourage them to smell the drink before tasting. Then, reminisce about the season of fall. What was the weather like during fall where they grew up? Did they ever visit an apple orchard and pick apples? What was that experience like? What activities did they enjoy most during fall?

Scenic Fall Drive

Another way to bring back the nostalgia is to take your loved one a trip down memory lane, literally. Load them in the car and take them for a scenic fall drive. If there are special locations nearby that hold fond memories for them, be sure to include them in your tour. If they live far away from where they grew up or raised a family, they can still enjoy the scenery nearby. During the drive, listen to their favorite tunes, or turn off the music so you can talk together. Reminisce about favorite memories they have about particular locations. What has changed or stayed the same? How is the area different than where they grew up?

Pass Out Candy to Trick-or-Treaters

Although this seems rather simple, participating in the neighborhood trick-or-treat can bring back wonderful memories for your aging loved one. Plan to spend trick-or-treat with your loved one out on their front porch. Decorate their front porch ahead of time. Find a comfortable chair they can sit in and stay warm with blankets and a hot drink. Between trick-or-treaters, reminisce with your loved one about their favorite Halloween costumes as a kid. If it’s your parents, ask them to tell stories about taking you out on trick-or-treat night when you were little. And don’t forget to join in the fun by adding some Halloween flare to your attire, such as a witch hat or animal ears.

However you spend your fall, Visiting Angels Southlake hopes it truly is sensational and nostalgic. We also want you to know that we are here should your aging loved one need assistance maintaining their independence at home. Our compassionate caregivers not only offer assistance with basic in-home care needs but are also a friendly face that provides companionship to seniors. We are dependable and reliable and would be honored to work with you. To learn more about our senior in-home care services, please contact us today so that we can learn more about your situation.

Serving Southlake and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels SOUTHLAKE, TX
630 E Southlake Blvd #135
Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-684-1996
Fax: 817-224-2868

Serving Southlake and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels SOUTHLAKE, TX
630 E Southlake Blvd #135
Southlake, TX 76092
Phone: 817-684-1996
Fax: 817-224-2868