Autumn ushers in a season of reflection, warmth, and community. The vibrant colors of changing leaves, the crispness in the air, and the flavors of the harvest invite us to slow down and savor meaningful traditions. At Maplewood, fall is a time to celebrate together—through thoughtfully designed programs that highlight creativity, culture, and connection.
Fall at Maplewood is a time when cherished traditions come alive. A study from Pennsylvania State University found that older adults (70 years to 90 years) who reported more frequent, pleasant social interactions (both in person and digital) have better cognitive performance in domains like processing speed, attention, and working memory. Residents participate in a wide variety of hands-on programs designed to spark creativity and bring the community together. Pumpkin decorating workshops encourage artistic expression, while fall wreath-making classes offer opportunities to craft seasonal décor for their apartments and shared spaces. Harvest-themed socials with live music and festive refreshments provide the perfect setting to celebrate the season as a community. Maplewood’s Lifestyle Directors also organize trivia nights, storytelling circles, and book clubs featuring autumn-inspired themes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Food is one of the most memorable parts of fall, and Maplewood’s culinary teams embrace the flavors of the season with fresh ingredients and festive menus. Residents enjoy comforting classics like roasted squash soup, baked apple crisps, and warm cider – all crafted with care and attention to both flavor and nutrition. Seasonal cooking demonstrations, such as pie-baking classes or apple-tasting events, invite residents to engage directly with the culinary experience. Many communities also host harvest dinners, where long tables are set with autumn décor and residents gather to share a multi-course meal that highlights the very best of fall ingredients.
Autumn also brings cherished holidays and cultural observances, and Maplewood communities take care to celebrate them with meaning and joy. Cleveland Clinic reports that loneliness in older adults, which can become more prevalent during the holiday season, is a significant risk factor for depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and worse physical health. Social programs and built community, as Maplewood offers, are among the strongest buffers.
For Halloween, residents may welcome visiting children from local schools for trick-or-treating, creating intergenerational moments filled with laughter and delight. Thanksgiving is marked with traditional feasts prepared by the culinary team, often paired with programs like gratitude journaling workshops or a “sharing of thanks” circle, where residents and associates reflect on what this season means to them. Other programs highlight cultural traditions – such as celebrating Diwali with light displays or exploring harvest festivals from around the world – offering opportunities to learn and connect through shared experience.
For many, the beauty of fall lies in its natural scenery, and Maplewood ensures residents remain connected to the season’s splendor. Cornell University reports that nature exposure is beneficial: both real and virtual/nature-based interventions improve mood, reduce stress, and boost cognitive engagement. Outings to local orchards, botanical gardens, and scenic drives through foliage-rich landscapes are staples of autumn programming. Within the community, indoor programs often bring the outdoors inside – such as floral arrangement classes using seasonal blooms, arts and crafts inspired by fall colors, or visits from local farms that bring animals directly to residents. Nature lectures led by guest speakers and mindfulness walks in courtyards or gardens provide additional opportunities to enjoy the restorative qualities of the season.
At its heart, fall at Maplewood is about togetherness. These seasonal traditions not only celebrate the beauty of autumn but also honor the values of connection, gratitude, and joy that define the Maplewood lifestyle. Whether savoring a seasonal meal, creating festive décor, or joining in a community-wide celebration, each experience is thoughtfully designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
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