Winter weather can make it difficult for seniors to live their life to the fullest. Between the dangers of slips and falls and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), cold dark months can be a dreary time if you’re not careful.

Fortunately, the shorter days don’t have to be short on good times. A few senior winter activities can help aging adults improve their mental health and stay active. Want to know how you can live your life to the fullest this winter? Keep reading to find out how you can enjoy the season.

How to Beat the Winter Blues for Seniors

Some cold weather doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. While the winter months can make it less safe to spend time outdoors, there are plenty of indoor activities that older adults can do to stay physically and mentally active.

Join a book club

Reading is already a great hobby, but it doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Whether you join a group of friends or find a club online or through a senior living community, joining a book club can help you keep your mind sharp while also staying engaged with other people.

Get some exercise

Physical activity is always important, no matter the season. While it may be cold outside, there are plenty of indoor exercises that you can do to keep yourself in shape and fend off the doldrums of winter. Low-impact activities like knee exercises or balance training can help you feel better, improve sleep, and prevent falls – just make sure to take every exercise one step at a time and not overexert yourself.

Go out for a walk

Just because the weather outside is frightful doesn’t mean that you can’t get out of the house. A good walk is a great way to get some physical activity while adventuring outside of your home. There are plenty of other places where you can stretch your legs without dealing with the weather this time of year.

• The mall
• A community center
• The library
• An indoor walking track
• Your local university
• Your local botanical gardens or indoor areas at the zoo

Hang out with friends and family

Spending time with loved ones is all year round, but it’s definitely a great way to shake off the winter blues when you feel isolated. Regular visits are a great activity, whether people come to you, or you have transportation to visit others. Staying social also has other benefits, as it can keep your mind sharp and prevent mental decline.

Bring the garden inside

Gardening is a great activity, and it doesn’t have to end when it gets cold outside. If you have a green thumb, try bringing some of the plants inside. Anything from herbs to small potted plants can add some color to your home and give you the satisfaction of taking care of something and seeing it grow. If you live in assisted living, you may even be able to garden with other plant lovers.

Head to the pool

You may not want to swim outside, but the local rec center or a gym may have a pool that you can use. Swimming is a great low-impact exercise that also allows you to get out of the house every now and again.

Play some games

A little competition can go a long way toward breaking up the monotony. A few games among friends can help you stay social and exercise your brain. Games don’t have to be limited to board games either – video games can be a great source of fun once you learn how to use them. Try hosting a game night or try playing some solo games to give yourself a new hobby this winter.

Live Your Life to the Fullest All Year Round

Everyone needs to have some fun. While the winter can be especially isolating, it’s good to have some go-to activities to keep yourself active and enjoy your golden years. Hopefully, the activities above can help you keep your mind and body sharp whether you add some of them to your daily routine or enjoy the occasional adventure.

Of course, seniors need to think about more than just staying active. It’s also important to figure out the best place to live an active, independent lifestyle. At National Church Residences, we take an individual approach to support seniors and help them find the right senior living solution for them. Find out which senior living options are in your area or give us a call at 844-465-6063 to talk to one of our friendly staff members today.