As the days get shorter and the evenings get colder, many seniors become home bound until the temperatures will start to rise in the spring. However, it is important for seniors to get fresh air and exercise even in cold winter weather, and to find indoor activities to occupy their time. Here are some suggestions to provide fun winter activity ideas for seniors. 

Pick up an indoor hobby – You can pull out the knitting needles or crochet hook to create some fun items for gifts or for yourself. If you have not learned a craft, you can watch instruction videos online to teach yourself the basics. It is fairly easy to crochet or knit a scarf if you are good at working with your hands. 

Join a book club – If you can get out in nice weather, you may want to look into your local book club. This is a fun way to pass a cold afternoon with new friends.

Go shopping (if only for the exercise) – A Shopping centre provides a great space for exercise and you can invite a friend to go walking with you. 

Invite other seniors (or people of various ages) to your home – have a game or music night. Everyone can bring a game or a musical instrument they can play (it can even be bells or a tambourine) and have a fun afternoon or evening of conversation and entertainment. If this is a success, you can plan a fun day once a month. 

Start a large jigsaw puzzle – that will take you at least a week to finish. 

Learn a new skill – such as how to use the computer or create a profile on Facebook. 

Teach others a skill – such as crafts or how to play an instrument. It will pass the time and give you a way to help out others. 

Visit your other senior friends – in the hospital or a nursing home if you are not home bound. They are probably bored, too, and would enjoy the company. You can also cook a dish for people who do not feel like cooking for themselves.

How to Get Exercise in the winter

If it is difficult for you to get enough exercise in the winter, there are several activities that you can do regardless of the outdoor temperatures. One way is to get some exercise DVDs that allow you to stretch, lift weights, or do aerobics to stay in shape until you can get back outside in the spring.

You can also find dance classes and events designed for seniors. They have everything from ballroom dancing to jazz to zumba. Another way to exercise during the winter is going to an indoor pool. If it is too cold to be outside, you can use an indoor swimming pool to get some much needed exercise.