9 Fun Winter Activities for Seniors

During the winter months, cold temperatures and short daylight hours leave most people searching for interesting indoor activities that go beyond board and card games (particularly when you’re past that stage of life when spending hours having snowball fights, building snow forts and going sledding sounds like fun).

This blog post will suggest fun winter activities for seniors that you can enjoy all year long.

When the Weather Is Frightful, These Activities Are Delightful

Let the snow drift and blow. These suggestions for older adults will keep you socially engaged and entertained.

1. Dancing: Studies have shown dancing is one of the best forms of exercise for keeping both your body and brain healthy. Just getting up and moving to the beat will help, but you’ll find the biggest benefits by dancing with a group or a partner. Interacting with others can help promote social connection too. Remember to loosen your muscles by starting with something slow before upping the tempo.
2. Singing: This is one of the best ways to stimulate your vagus nerve, which is vital to maintaining the function of your major internal organs. Stimulation of the vagus nerve can help reduce stress, increase blood flow throughout the body, lower blood pressure, and put your parasympathetic nervous system — also known as the “rest and digest” system — in control for better sleep and digestion. You can sing along to your favorite album or musical, sing familiar hymns, holiday carols, nursery rhymes, or whatever comes to mind.
3. Games: Puzzles, dominoes, cards and board games are ideal activities for those winter days when it’s just too cold to go out. Playing or watching game shows that have you recall facts like Jeopardy can help keep your mind sharp and improve memory.
4. Arts and crafts: There are so many fun winter craft ideas to choose from, including knitting, crocheting and sewing, drawing or painting, flower arranging and scrapbooking.
5. Shopping: Not that anyone needs a reason to go shopping, but it’s a great way to get out without having to be in the cold for too long. You could buy a new holiday outfit, pick up supplies for a craft project, or just take in the winter wonderland as you’re out and about.
6. Lunch date: Get together with friends for lunch and catch up. Of course, it doesn’t all have to be about food;you could go see a movie, take in a play, or check out the area art galleries.
7. Exercise classes: Daily fitness classes like yoga and tai chi offer the perfect opportunity to get moving while boosting your feel-good endorphins.
8. Aquatic exercises: Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, a dip in the pool can have great benefits for your body. The water’s natural resistance helps strengthen muscles, and aquatic activities can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and relieve pressure on weight-bearing joints.
9. Walking: Whether indoor or outdoor (when the weather allows), walking is the most natural form of exercise. All you need is a good pair of shoes. For indoor walking, consider a local community center or a gym with an indoor walking track. Or you can take in some art on your stroll by visiting a museum.

We Put the Win in Winter

If you love Minnesota’s four-season climate, you know there are always fun winter activities for seniors going on. At Trillium Woods, our active senior living community features plenty of services, amenities, and a full activity calendar for year-round enjoyment. To learn more about everything we can offer you — including our upcoming expansion — contact us here.