Long winter days can be tough for everyone, particularly for our senior loved ones. With the snow and cold temperatures, it can be hard to get out of the house and stay physically active, and if there’s ice and snow on the roads it may be harder to stay social and see friends. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities that seniors can do during the winter season whether they live at home or in a senior living community. And since many of them make for great group activities, many of these can be great group activities for the whole family this winter. Here is a list of 16 of our favorite activities for seniors during the winter:

Indoor Walking  

Indoor walking is an excellent way to stay active without having to battle the cold weather or icy sidewalks. Many malls and recreation centers open their doors specifically for seniors who want to walk in a safe, indoor environment. Plus, walking around a mall or other indoor center can be a great way for groups of seniors to stay social and see each other even if it’s too cold to meet in regular places like a park or cafe.

Chair Yoga 

Yoga is a great activity for people of all ages as it helps increase both strength and flexibility. For seniors who wants to enjoy the benefits of yoga, but who think that a full on yoga class might be a little intense, chair yoga is perfect. Chair yoga combines doing traditional yoga poses while seated in a chair. Chair yoga can be done from the comfort of a chair and is great for anyone with limited mobility or difficulty standing for long periods. Chair Yoga is an incredibly popular activity for seniors and is offered at senior living communities around the country.

Puzzles and Board Games 

Puzzles and board games are a great way to stay mentally active during the winter months. Whether it's a crossword or sudoku, puzzles keep the brain sharp while avoiding cabin fever. Puzzles and board games can also be a great social activity for seniors to work on together, and are often a centerpiece at senior living communities. 

Indoor Swimming 

Many senior living communities have indoor pools that are perfect for seniors looking for an enjoyable form of exercise in the colder months. Swimming is an amazing way to stay in shape for seniors as it is a low impact exercise that is easy on the joints but works every muscle. Along with swimming, other water-based activities can be great for seniors such as water aerobics classes.

Museum Visits 

Museums offer a great way to get out of the house and explore something new without having to brave cold temperatures. From art museums to history museums, there is always something interesting to learn and admire indoors. What’s more, many museums offer special discounts and promotions for seniors making museum visits a great way for seniors to get out and about on a budget.

Tai Chi 

This ancient form of exercise is perfect for seniors looking to stay active during the winter months. Tai chi combines gentle movements and stretches with breathing exercises, making it a safe way to build strength and balance without having to leave the house (not unlike chair yoga!).  

Shopping 

Winter is the perfect time to get out and do some shopping without having to battle the heat or humidity. Whether it's window-shopping at the local mall or finding that perfect new item online from home, shopping is always a great activity for seniors in the wintertime. Many senior living communities will offer shuttle or transportation services into town to provide trips and opportunities for their residents to get out and do some shopping. 

Movie Nights 

Seniors can take advantage of all those chilly evenings by getting together with family and friends for movie night! Gather up snacks and favorite movies for a fun and cozy evening in. Many senior living communities have movie theaters which offer regular movie nights and other viewing options for their residents. 

Garden Planning 

Getting ready for spring doesn't have to wait until it's warm outside! Seniors can spend their winter days planning the perfect garden or landscape design. Shop online for those special items that will make their outdoor oasis complete come summertime, or browse books and magazines to get amazing inspiration for your garden come spring.

Reading 

Speaking of books and magazines, there’s no better winter activity than cozying up with a good read! Reading is a great way to stay mentally active and engaged, whether it’s reading books or magazines or newspapers. Reading can also form the basis of great social activity, as many seniors are in reading groups with their where they share and talk about their favorite new reads. 

Pilates 

Like tai chi, pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that focuses on strengthening core muscles while increasing flexibility and improving coordination. There are numerous fitness centers around the country that offer pilates classes specifically designed for seniors who want to stay fit during the winter months, and many senior living communities have fitness centers that offer pilates or another similar form of exercise.

Indoor Bowling 

If you're looking for a fun way to stay active during the winter months, indoor bowling is a great option. Not only does it provide some much-needed exercise, but it's also an opportunity for seniors to socialize and make new friends. Most local bowling alleys also offer discounts for seniors, so make sure to check with your local alley before you go. 

Bocce Ball 

This Italian game is becoming increasingly popular among seniors and can be played either indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. It's easy to learn, doesn't require any special equipment, and provides some good physical exercise as well as mental stimulation which can help keep memory sharp in later years. 

Senior Dance Classes 

Dancing is a great way to have fun and get some exercise at the same time. Like a lot of the activities on this list, dance classes can be a great place for seniors to socialize which can have important mental wellness benefits. Because increased socialization can have such amazing wellness benefits for seniors whether they’re living in a senior living community or not, we like to highlight activities that can allow seniors to get out and be social.

Senior Cooking Classes 

Related to senior dance classes, cooking classes can be another great way for seniors to get out and learn something new with friends. For those who enjoy cooking but don't want to be stuck in the kitchen all winter long, cooking classes are a great way to stay engaged. Not only will cooking classes help seniors learn new recipes and techniques, but they’re also an excellent opportunity to socialize with other seniors who have similar interests. 

No matter how cold the weather gets outside, these 16 activities provide plenty of ways for seniors to stay active during the winter months. Whether you're looking for a low-impact form of exercise or something that allows you to make new friends, these are just some of the great options for seniors to stay active and engaged in the cold winter months. To learn more about how Sunbound can help make senior living more affordable for you or your loved one, send us an email at info@sunboundhomes.com or request more information on Sunbound. Sunbound is the best way to pay for senior living and is on a mission to make senior living affordable for everyone.