Indoor winter hobbies and winter activities for seniors can help make the cold months seem less isolating. When winter storms howl outside, indoor activities can help you feel cozy while keeping you and your loved ones entertained. No matter the weather, enjoy new hobbies as you transition into the new year.
Keep reading for the top 10 indoor winter activities, including January activities for seniors.
Indoor Winter Activities For Seniors
With fewer hours of sunlight during the day, you’ll likely have more free time at home. A great way to spend this time is by leaning into a creative outlet or learning a new skill, which can help pass time while keeping you connected with friends and family.
1. Spa Day
Many assisted living facilities and nursing homes have an in-house salon and spa. Perfect for a day of pampering, a salon and spa can do more than help you feel pretty. It can also help hydrate your skin during the winter.
If you live at home, round up some nail polish, lotions, and face masks for a relaxing and rejuvenating day.
2. Games
Games are great for people of all ages. For seniors, video games and board games may have cognitive benefits and improve memory. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with gaming grandkids!
3. Book Club
Are you an avid reader? Spend a snowy afternoon rereading an old favorite or flipping the pages of something new.
If you have a digital reading device, like a Kindle, you can download a new book without even leaving the house.
4. Exercise Classes
From healthy joints to heart and lung health, there are many benefits of exercise. Physical activity can be enjoyable if you pick a type of movement that you like and that your body tolerates well.
Don’t know where to start? Try yoga, aerobic exercises (i.e. indoor cycling or jumping rope), or chair exercises.
5. Learn A New Language
Most people have learning a new language on their bucket list. Why not start during the winter?
If you need motivation, plan your dream holiday in another country for a few months or years away. Save money by using Youtube channels and free language learning apps.
6. Needle Art
For dexterous older adults, needle art can be a beautiful craft to take interest in. From creating home decor to gifts, there isn’t a better time than winter to pick up stitching.
Try one (or more) of the following forms of needle art:
- Crocheting
- Cross stitch
- Embroidery
- Knitting
- Sewing
7. Seasonal Crafts
Create a winter wonderland in your home with seasonal crafts. No matter which holidays you celebrate, the winter season is full of festive colors and opportunities to craft.
Seasonal craft ideas include:
- Creating a seasonal wreath
- Cutting snowflakes
- Making a snowglobe
- Perfecting winter floral arrangements
- Stringing together a pinecone garland
8. Paper Crafts
Crafting with paper can be exciting, too! Scrapbooking can be a creative outlet in addition to preserving precious memories.
Around the holidays, you can also make handmade cards to send out to loved ones.
9. Creative Cooking
You don’t have to leave the house to experience worldwide cuisines. Cook up an old favorite, watch a cooking show, or try a new meal to get your taste buds tingling.
If you prefer baking over cooking, host a virtual bake-off such as over Zoom or a social media live stream.
10. Letter Writing
Catch up on your correspondence by writing letters over the winter months. Other than letters to loved ones, try your hand at the following:
- Catching up with a long-lost friend or relative
- Letters to soldiers overseas during the holidays
- Sympathy cards to those missing loved ones this time of year
- Thank you notes to neighbors
Recapping Safe Indoor Activities
Just because you might have to stay indoors doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Recreate your favorite childhood meals or crafts, or try your hand at a new hobby or skill.
During the winter season, there’s something fun for everyone when it comes to indoor activities.
References:
Clemenson GD, Stark SM, Rutledge SM, Stark CEL. Enriching hippocampal memory function in older adults through video games. Behav Brain Res. 2020;390:112667.
Sayegh C. 7 Winter Activities for Seniors in Assisted Living Communities. UMH. https://www.umh.org/assisted-independent-living-blog/winter-activities-for-seniors-in-assisted-living-communities.
