Cold weather and wintery conditions can make it more difficult for our senior loved ones to leave their homes and be active. Socialization and participating in group activities are important for people of all ages, but especially for seniors. 

There are many benefits to socialization year-round. Socialization activities can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and improve overall mental and physical health. Socialization also provides an opportunity for sharing experiences and learning new skills.

Whether you are helping to care for an elderly parent at home or are trying to keep them more engaged at their assisted living facility, keep reading to learn some of our favorite fun winter activities for seniors. 

1. Plant an Indoor Garden

Many people prefer spring and summer because they love tending to their plants and garden. If you feel your senior needs a pick me up, help them start an indoor garden. Tending plants is a great indoor winter activity for adults because it’s an easy task that helps ward away the winter blues.

You can start small with easy-to-care-for plants that don’t require much attention. Then, you can progress to a variety of herbs and flowers, depending on the space you have to work with. If you have access to an outdoor garden, you and your loved one can start seedlings in peat pots and transfer them outside when the weather warms up. 

2. Indoor Games

One easy activity to entertain seniors and get them much-needed socialization is to play games. Board games, card games, and video games may also have cognitive benefits, such as improving memory.

Because many games are suitable for children and adults of all ages, games are a great indoor winter activity for seniors to connect with their grandchildren and other family members and friends. 

3. Have a Spa Day

Whether your loved one lives in an assisted living facility or at home, a little pampering can go a long way. Spend an afternoon together trying new lotions, painting nails, and soaking feet in an Epsom salt bath. 

Winter weather can be especially harsh on older skin, so a spa day is a practical, fun winter activity for seniors as much as it is a fun one! 

4. Crafting

Winter is the perfect time for crafts, especially if cold and inclement weather has everyone stuck inside. Whether you choose to work on quilting, crocheting, making a birdhouse, or even coloring, art-based therapy has been shown to help seniors both mentally and physically. 

If your loved one struggles with dexterity and fine motor skills, these indoor winter activities for adults are highly adjustable depending on needs and ability. Painting, coloring books, and clay sculpting can all be a fun yet challenging way to spend an afternoon or weekend. There are many craft activities seniors can do in winter!

5. Senior Exercise Class

It is important for seniors to stay active in their old age. While winter weather can make it difficult to do outdoor physical activity, such as walking or hiking nature trails, there are many ways for seniors to stay active indoors. 

Physical therapy is a great option if your loved ones need to get their joints moving under the guidance of a professional. Senior exercise classes are also a great option geared toward older adults. Many assisted living communities offer classes on-premises so your loved one can get active without traveling far. 

There are many exercises your loved one can do at home, in addition to other activities like dancing. The key is to ensure their exercise habits are within any parameters set by their doctor.  

Year-Round Care for Your Loved One at Senior Health Care Solutions 

At Senior Health Care Solutions, we know how important it is for seniors to remain active and have hobbies. That’s why we make sure that everyone living within our skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers or personal care residences has access to recreational activity therapists. Our goal is to help seniors live a full and happy life, and part of that is through planned winter activities for seniors. 

If you would like more information on our locations or services offered, please contact us at info@seniorhealthpa.com  or 570-969-2188.