The long winter months can be boring and dreary for everyone, especially senior adults. With shorter days, bad weather conditions, cold temperatures and icy roads, most older adults spend the winter cooped up inside their home. Thanks to COVID-19, even those seniors who are active and don’t mind the snowy weather will more than likely stay put throughout the cold, dark months.
Unfortunately, we’re entering some of the hardest months of the year for seniors, and it’s going to be even more difficult because of concerns around COVID-19. It’s more important than ever for loved ones to check in on their senior loved ones, not just to make sure they’re healthy, but to make sure they’re staying engaged and mentally active.
Boredom and cabin fever can increase your senior loved one’s risk of developing depression, anxiety and potentially even cognitive decline. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep seniors engaged, even if they have to remain indoors while the cold winds blow. Here are a few activities, tips and tricks to help you keep your senior loved one entertained and happy this winter and beyond.
Put on some music.
Music is a perfect way to uplift spirits and brighten someone’s day, no matter how cold and gray it may be outside. Best of all, you don’t need to go anywhere to enjoy music. Obviously, you can pop in a CD or stream a favorite playlist using any listening device. These days, though, there are more options than ever when it comes to actually watching musical performances or taking music classes. Check out YouTube, Facebook Live and other streaming services to watch performances (live or taped) or even follow along in a live class. The benefits of enjoying music go beyond just entertaining your loved one. Studies have shown that performing music in any way, shape or fashion can help increase coordination, mobility and overall cognitive abilities.
Enjoy a spa day.
Who doesn’t enjoy looking and feeling their best? Few activities are more enjoyable, relaxing and self-esteem boosting than taking a trip to the salon. Since you or your loved one may not feel like actually going out and braving the weather (and the germs), why not hold a DIY spa day at home? Enjoy a nice manicure/pedicure or give each other facials. You can also synch up some makeup tutorials online if you’d like to try out some new techniques. Of course, there’s nothing like actually getting your hair trimmed and styled. Most salons these days are open, so schedule a time that works best for you and your loved ones. Don’t forget your masks and hand sanitizer.
Play games.
What better way to enjoy a snowy day indoors than by playing a game? Grab a deck of cards or some old board games and enjoy a lively afternoon of Scrabble, dominoes, Bunco or whatever else strikes your fancy. Don’t actually have any games on hand? No problem. If you have a computer or a smartphone, you can play games with friends across the country or across the world. Words with Friends is a Scrabble-like game that is hugely popular with all age groups, but there are many other multiplayer online games that can help improve cognitive function, provide entertainment and also be a great social outlet.
Do a project or craft.
A list of winter activities wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t list some crafts. Keeping minds and hands busy helps pass the days while also making pretty things that can be used for the holidays or simply for enjoyment. Since we’re right in the middle of the holiday season, there are many different activities and crafts that seniors can do. Building Thanksgiving centerpieces, sewing a quilt, scrapbooking, making door wreaths, … just about anything you can think of is possible. Do a Google search and pull up some “how to” videos online for inspiration. This is the perfect time of year to pick an old favorite backup – or start a completely new hobby you’ve always wanted to do. If your loved one is an expert at something like knitting and you’ve always wanted to learn, it’s a great chance for them to teach you something new.
Get some exercise.
Staying physically active is incredibly important to all of us, because it helps keep our bodies healthy, our joints working and our minds clear and focused. Just because the weather outside is frightful doesn’t mean you can’t get moving. There are so many classes available online – including senior-friendly exercises – from yoga, aerobics or other workouts that you can stream from the comfort of your living room. Of course, there’s no substitute for fresh air, so be sure to bundle up – weather permitting – and get outside in the sunshine as much as possible. Even as much as 15 minutes of sunlight will boost Vitamin D levels and improve moods, build stronger bones and provide much better mental health.
Staying active and engaged can be hard during the winter months, but it’s not impossible. As you’re getting ready for the new year, be sure to reach out to your senior loved ones to see how they are doing this winter. Just knowing that you care and that you’re thinking about them can be a huge boost during this time of year.
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