Getting outside in the fresh air is an important part of people’s wellbeing and this shouldn’t change with age. Across our four nursing homes, residents can enjoy gardens, outdoor spaces and trips into the wider community in ways that suit their interests, mobility and support needs. Sometimes this is a gentle garden walk and sometimes it’s a trip to the beach or a nearby town.
Of course, the benefits of being outdoors for seniors go well beyond fresh air. Birdsong, autumn colours and seasonal scents can stimulate the senses, while a change of scene can lift the mood and spark conversation. Time outside can also encourage gentle movement in a relaxed, natural way.
Staying involved in activities matters too. It can help residents maintain a sense of purpose, choice and identity, while shared experiences create easy opportunities to chat, reminisce and laugh together. Many of our residents enjoy taking part in new activities, as well as rediscovering old hobbies.
At Southern Healthcare our residents’ days are very much led by them, but we always ensure there are plenty of ways they can get involved if they wish to. Even watching, listening and enjoying the company of others are meaningful forms of participation.
For us, outdoor wellbeing for older adults starts with flexibility. An activity can be shortened, enjoyed from a chair or supported one to one. With warm clothing, suitable footwear, accessible routes and somewhere comfortable to rest, autumn outings can be both relaxed and rewarding.
Here are 10 enjoyable autumn activities for elderly people:
1. Go birdwatching
You don’t need to travel far to enjoy birdwatching. Choose a sheltered seat, fill up bird feeders and place them within view and keep binoculars or a picture guide nearby. It’s one of the simplest outdoor activities for seniors and it works just as well for someone who wants to identify every visitor as it does for someone who simply enjoys the birdsong.
2. Take a garden walk
A garden walk can be as short or as unhurried as residents wish. You can stop to notice fallen leaves, berries, bark and seasonal scents. An accessible route and regular resting places help make this one of the most inclusive gentle outdoor activities for older adults, including residents who use wheelchairs or walking aids.
Our nursing home in Plymouth, Parkwood House, is opposite Devonport Park and residents frequently go on outings to the park and the café with team members to enjoy the great outdoors. It’s also a great spot for bird watching.
3. Try light gardening
Light gardening offers plenty of satisfying jobs without needing to be strenuous. Residents might refill a bird feeder, help hang fairy lights, water pots or gather leaves. At The Old Rectory nursing home in Exeter, our accessible garden has a greenhouse and raised beds for gardening activities in the warmer months, as well as space for our in-house band to perform. In the autumn it provides a secluded space for outdoor activities for elderly people, allowing residents to connect with nature.
4. Make leaf rubbings and autumn crafts
Autumnal crafts are a great way to channel residents’ creativity. Why not collect a few interesting leaves during a short trip outside, then rub crayons or charcoal on paper to reveal their patterns? Leaves, seed heads and twigs can also become collages or seasonal displays. These creative activities for elderly residents bring together nature, conversation and self-expression.
5. Decorate pumpkins
Pumpkin decorating can be great fun. Residents can paint faces, arrange ribbons or choose a design for someone else to help create. Designing and making autumnal wreaths is also a great option, combining gentle outdoor activities for older adults with seasonal creativity.
6. Listen to music outside
Take a favourite playlist into the garden and let residents choose the songs. Familiar music can prompt memories, singing and conversation, while the outdoor setting adds fresh sights and sounds. Bring out hot drinks and biscuits to keep conversations flowing.
7. Explore nature photography
A phone, tablet or simple camera can turn an ordinary outing into a creative project. Residents might photograph colourful leaves in the garden, the view on a beach visit or an interesting shopfront in a local town. Our nursing homes in Dawlish and Seaton are a stone’s throw from the beach and town making them the perfect places to photograph. Back at the nursing home, everyone can review the pictures, choose favourites and create a seasonal display.
8. Play gentle outdoor games
Adapted skittles, boules or bean bag toss make enjoyable outdoor games for elderly people. Offer seated and standing options and keep the emphasis on fun, not competition. Pairs or small teams can make it easier to join in and enjoy a friendly chat along the way.
9. Enjoy hot refreshments in the garden
A cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate can make a cool autumn afternoon feel like an occasion. Add blankets and perhaps a seasonal snack. This easy-going option lets residents enjoy company and fresh air without committing to a longer activity.
10. Visit the beach or a local town
A change of scenery can be a real pleasure. Depending on residents’ wishes and support needs, a trip might include watching the waves, enjoying an accessible promenade, browsing local shops or stopping at a café. These outings can revive familiar memories, encourage conversation and help residents stay connected with the wider community, giving them an importance sense of belonging.
At Southern Healthcare, we believe everyday life should be shaped by meaningful relationships, companionship, choice and the things that matter to each individual. Outdoor time creates opportunities for shared experiences and genuine connection.
Top tips for outdoor activities for elderly people:
- Start with the person: Match the activity to each resident’s interests, abilities and preferred level of involvement.
- Simple can be special: Meaningful outdoor activities for elderly people can be as easy as watching birds or sharing a warm drink.
- Make room for connection: Use activities to start conversations, encourage shared memories and companionship, without pressuring anyone to join in.
- Plan for comfort: Check the weather, transport, routes, seating, clothing and individual support requirements.
- Stay flexible: If the weather changes, bring the experience indoors with photographs, music, leaves or other seasonal objects.
Outdoor activities in care homes are part of a varied, connected and fulfilling life. Across our four nursing homes, we help residents enjoy gardens, fresh air and community outings in ways that respect who they are, what they enjoy and how they want to take part.
Contact us today and discover how your loved one can enjoy life at a Southern Healthcare home.