Staying Healthy This Fall: A Seasonal Guide for Seniors
Fall is a beautiful time of year—cooler temperatures, vibrant leaves, and a slower pace that invites reflection and rest. But as the season changes, so do our health needs. For older adults, it’s especially important to take extra care during the fall months, when colds, flu, and seasonal fatigue can become more common.
Here are some simple, effective tips to help you stay strong, active, and well through the season:
1. Support Your Immune System
As we age, our immune system doesn’t respond quite the same way it used to. Strengthening it naturally can help prevent illness:
Eat nutrient-rich meals: Enjoy plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables like squash, carrots, apples, and spinach.
Add immunity boosters: Garlic, ginger, and vitamin C-rich foods (like oranges and bell peppers) are great additions to your diet.
Stay hydrated: It’s easy to forget to drink water in cooler weather. Try warm herbal teas or broths to stay hydrated and comforted.
At Siena on Brendenwood we offer opportunities for our community members, their guests and our staff to enjoy the flexibilities of three healthy meal offerings. We value offering opportunity and choice at all our meal offerings.
2. Keep Moving—At Your Pace
Staying physically active improves strength, balance, and energy—key factors in maintaining independence.
Take a daily walk: Even a short stroll outside in the fresh air can lift your mood and improve circulation.
Try gentle exercises indoors: Chair yoga, stretching, or light resistance exercises can be done at home and adapted to your comfort level.
Five days a week, we offer a Fit For Life, balance and strength training class. You will also find opportunities for cardio routines such as Laughter Yoga, Cardio Drum Fun and even Line Dancing as awesome opportunities for fitness at Siena. If keeping your own fitness routine is important, you can enjoy the Fitness Center located on the 2nd floor or walk about on one of our well-kept pathways outdoors.
3. Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep helps your body recover and boosts immunity. Seniors often experience changes in sleep patterns, so routines matter.
Stick to a regular bedtime.
Create a calming evening routine: A warm shower, light reading, or soft music can help signal your body it’s time to rest.
Limit naps to earlier in the day so nighttime sleep stays on track.
Siena on Brendenwood offers a full Life Enrichment Calendar of events and happenings. Taking part and remaining active in the community is not only engaging, but it assists our seniors with routine and the desire for rest at the end of a full day.
4. Get Recommended Vaccinations
Vaccines are an important part of staying healthy as we age.
Flu shot: These are recommended annually by our healthcare providers.
COVID-19 boosters: Stay up to date if recommended by your doctor.
Pneumonia and shingles vaccines may also be advised—talk to your healthcare provider.
Siena works with a local pharmacy to bring the flu shots directly to the doors of our community members. We host an annual Flu Shot Clinic for those who reside at Siena, offering not only convenience, but prevention again the spread of disease in the community.
5. Care for Your Mental Health
As days get shorter and we spend more time indoors, it’s natural to feel a little isolated or low. But your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health.
Stay connected: Call a friend, join a local group, or schedule regular video chats with family.
Engage your mind: Reading, puzzles, crafts, or music can lift your spirits and keep your brain sharp.
Offering programming that is not only fun, but ones that have purpose is what our Life Enrichment Department strives to do. Joining in on engaging activities at Siena can not only boost your positive frame of mind but actually boost your brain power.
6. Get Some Sunlight or Vitamin D
Sunlight helps your body make vitamin D, which supports bone and immune health.
Try to spend some time outdoors during daylight hours—even 10–15 minutes can help.
Talk to your doctor if a vitamin D supplement is right for you, especially during fall and winter.
With the many attractive pathways and greenspaces at Siena on Brendenwood it is easy and safe to take a healthy walk and enjoy the grounds.
Final Thoughts
Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—warm meals, cozy clothes, good conversation, and the beauty of the season. With a few thoughtful habits, you can stay healthy and make the most of this time of year.
Take care of yourself, move a little each day, and don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones or your healthcare provider if you need support.
Wishing you a happy, healthy fall season 🍁
