14 San Francisco Bay Area Fall Activities for Seniors

Fall is a beautiful time of year in the San Francisco Bay Area – full of life, vibrant fall colors, with many festivals and events happening. Embrace fall by going out, connect with people, and just enjoy life. Benefits of Fall Activities for Seniors Going out and connecting with other people improves our mental and physical health. Here are some reasons why getting out and participating in activities this fall will be good for seniors: Lifting our spirits Reconnecting with nature Improved health Not feeling isolated Relaxing Boosting Vitamin D levels Feeling connected and renewed Encouraging physical activity and mobility Feeling more active Increased energy Living a fulfilled life We’ve put together a list of activities seniors can do to enjoy San Francisco in the fall: 1. Sign up for a Sunset Cruise Admire the city skyline, crisp fall colors, and city lights from the water. See famous landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz while sipping champagne or a non-alcoholic beverage and relaxing with friends. 2. Comedy Shows One of the best ways to relax and connect with others is by watching a comedy together. Many comedy shows are presented throughout the city, from The Real Divas of Comedy to Open Mic Night at Café Yesterday. Check out the events list at ComedyDay.org. 3. Napa Valley Film Festival Escape to wine country for the Napa Valley Film Festival from 9-26 November 2016. There will be 120 films on show, and 150 wineries and 50 chefs will tantalize our taste buds. What could go wrong? 4. Gourmet Chocolate Tours Stroll through San Francisco’s historic waterfront areas and visit artisan chocolatiers for blind tastings, truffles, and more. Gourmet Walks does a guided Gourmet Chocolate Tour for chocolate lovers. This tour is for the more active and follows a flat route of 1.5 miles long with seven stops at chocolatiers for generous tastings. The whole journey takes about three hours, so plan accordingly. A professional caregiver or family member can help with planning if necessary. 5. Free classes at the City College of San Francisco The City College of San Francisco gives free classes for older adults over the age of 55. Classes range from arts, crafts, music appreciation, mind-body health, theater, computer literacy, and body dynamics. Check out their schedule for free classes. 6. Creative aging at the Contemporary Jewish Museum The Contemporary Jewish Museum hosts special enrichment programs for seniors to create an environment promoting community, wellness, and lifelong learning. One of their classes currently on offer is their Mindfulness Meditation class. 7. Japanese Tea Garden at the Golden Gate Park Drink a meditative cup of tea while taking in the rich fall colors and tranquil atmosphere. The Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco is the oldest such a garden in the United States. They offer discounted rates to seniors. 8. Lawn Bowling at the Golden Gate Park San Francisco’s Lawn Bowling Club found their home in the Golden Gate Park where you can learn how to steer those pesky wooden balls, which is apparently not that difficult to do. They offer free lessons every Wednesday, and members can also participate in weekly competitions. 9. Botanical Garden at the Golden Gate Park Another gem at the Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Botanical Garden boasts 55 acres with over 8,000 different plant species – a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Admission is free for all San Francisco residents with proof of residency, and discounted admission fees are available for seniors over 65 from out of town. 10. Fort Mason Farmer’s Market Every Sunday the farmer’s market at the historic Fort Mason Center offers fresh, mouthwatering produce from local farmers, including fruit, veggies, flowers, and other gourmet foods – all within view of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. 11. Senior Walking Group The Golden Gate Village arranges walking tours for seniors every Tuesday morning. What better way to stay active, connect with like-minded people, and see a bit of your local neighborhood? Contact them for more information. The Public Library also offers guided tours by local volunteers for one to two-hour walking tours daily in one of the many unique neighborhoods. 12. Visit an Art Gallery San Francisco boasts many art galleries with frequent shows, featuring art for everybody’s tastes. During the week they aren’t as busy, but if crowds are your style, weekends are the perfect time to rub shoulders with other art lovers. 13. Street Art and Murals San Francisco has many street art sites to explore. The Rincon Annex Post Office has a mural by Anton Refregier depicting the history of Northern California, finished in 1948. Clarion Alley is a hot spot in The Mission for ever-changing street artworks. Coit Tower shows murals in the lobby created by 25 artists. It’s a steep walk but worth it if you can manage or if you have help from a professional caregiver or family member. 14. Readings at Bookstores San Francisco’s literary scene is bustling with many readings on offer. Head over to the City Lights, Green Apple Books, and Books Inc. for book readings and literature discussions. The annual literary festival, Lit Quake, also runs from October 7-15 and offers literary events throughout the city. Alegre Home Care’s Caregivers It’s always more fun – and safer – to go out with someone, whether in a group, with a family member or friend, or a home caregiver. Alegre Home Care is a local business with a presence throughout the Bay Area, helping to connect people with the community. Our home caregivers can support seniors when going out, whether to be there to help in case of emergency or just for the company.