Beat the Winter Blues: 7 Fun Indoor Activities for Seniors

As the winter chill sets in, it’s essential to find ways to keep the spirit warm, especially for seniors. The cold weather often limits outdoor activities, but it doesn’t have to limit the fun and engagement seniors can experience indoors. 

To help make this winter more fun, we’re sharing the importance of indoor activities, as well as some of our top suggestions for things to do when the weather becomes frightful.

The Importance of Indoor Activities for Older Adults During Winter

Indoor activities for seniors offer avenues for physical movement, stimulation, emotional and social connection, and overall well-being. Learn more about these benefits so you can make the most of this winter season.

Physical Health Benefits

Indoor activities enable older adults to remain physically mobile despite the limitations imposed by winter weather, supporting flexibility, strength, and mobility. All of these aspects are crucial for independent living and also help to reduce the risk of injury.

Mental Stimulation

Engaging in indoor activities like puzzles, board games, or hobbies stimulates cognitive functions, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and memory retention. Research shows this aids in maintaining mental acuity and may potentially delay cognitive decline.

Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health

Indoor activities combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, foster connections with family or peers, and offer a sense of belonging – significantly boosting emotional well-being during  winter.

Decreased Stress and Boosted Mood

Participating in enjoyable indoor activities can serve as an effective stress reliever, offering relaxation, a sense of accomplishment, and creativity, which leads to a more positive emotional state.

Enjoy a Warm Winter Full of Fun

Here are seven enjoyable and beneficial indoor activities that not only help combat the winter blues but also contribute to overall mental and physical well-being for seniors.

1. Board and Card Games

Board games and card games aren’t just about fun; they’re excellent exercises for mental agility. Games like scrabble, chess, bridge, or even simple card games like rummy can keep the mind engaged, improve cognitive function, and provide a wonderful way to spend time with family members or friends.

Host a game night complete with snacks, beverages and even prizes to make the most of the social benefits.

2. Indoor Gardening

Gardening doesn’t have to halt in winter; indoor gardening offers an excellent way to keep a connection with nature. It promotes relaxation, boosts mood, and provides an opportunity for seniors to nurture plants, fostering a sense of purpose and joy.

If you’re looking for the perfect plants for your indoor garden, consider:

• Snake Plants
• Spider Plants
• ZZ (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) Plants
• Peace Lilies
• Herbs Like Basil, Thyme or Mint
• Aloe Vera

Just be sure to keep your chosen plants’ toxicity in mind if you have any pets.

3. Cooking and Baking

Engaging in cooking or baking not only fills the air with delightful aromas but also serves as an activity that can be enjoyed solo or with company. 

Trying out new recipes or baking treats can be a great way to stimulate creativity and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You can also take a virtual class to sharpen your skills.

4. Word Searches and Puzzles

Word searches, crossword puzzles, or sudoku are fantastic activities to keep the brain sharp. They improve memory, increase focus, and provide a sense of accomplishment when completing a challenging puzzle.

Opt to spend a cozy afternoon with your favorite beverage, a comfortable blanket, and your favorite puzzles.

5. Arts and Crafts

Engaging in arts and crafts activities, such as painting, knitting, or pottery, allows seniors to express creativity and enhance hand-eye coordination. It’s a wonderful way to create something beautiful while decreasing stress levels and boosting mood.

Whether you’re a beginner or a full-fledged professional, there’s sure to be an arts and crafts option for you. Consider taking a glass art class, or try knitting some blankets, crocheting a cozy sweater, or painting a beautiful winter landscape.

6. Stay Moving With Indoor Exercises

Staying physically mobile is crucial, even indoors. The simplest of movements can help maintain physical health and flexibility, supporting overall well-being. 

Try activities like chair yoga or stretching exercises to get started.

7. Quality Time With Family

Spending time with loved ones is invaluable. Whether through storytelling, sharing experiences, or simply enjoying conversations, the emotional benefits of connecting with family members cannot be overstated. It fosters a sense of belonging and warmth, especially during the winter months. 

Host a movie night, start a new tradition, hold weekly dinners, or have a craft night together to enjoy all the benefits.

Spend Your Winter and Seasons To Come at Westminster Place

Winter doesn’t have to mean feeling isolated or inactive. Embracing these indoor activities can turn the colder months into a time of warmth, engagement, and personal growth for seniors.

Within a senior living community like Westminster Place, older adults make the most of their time indoors. In fact, they’re always keeping busy and are finding ways to connect with each other. Our range of programs, services and amenities makes it easy. Some of what residents are enjoying this season include:

• Engaging improv classes
• Getting their heart rates up and improving balance with fitness classes, including tai chi, yoga and boxing
• Indoor pickleball
• Book clubs
• Film nights
• Art classes
• Continuing education courses
• Pampering in the salon and spa
• Woodworking
• Tending to plants in the greenhouse
• Delicious meals prepared for them – no trip to the grocery store required
• Freedom from shoveling, thanks to a maintenance-free lifestyle

Assisted Living and Memory Care residents also enjoy engaging programs. With robust programming on-site as well as specialized It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L), MUSIC & MEMORY®, and Songs by Heart programming, there’s plenty for those who need additional support to enjoy. 

Want to experience our lifestyle for yourself? Contact us at 847-558-7747 to schedule a tour of our beautiful one-bedroom apartment homes today.