Winter Activities for Seniors
By Jeremy Grant
We tend to stay indoors for longer periods during the cold winter months. The crisp air takes our breath away, and it is easier to stay snuggled under a cozy throw blanket instead of heading outdoors. But heading outside during the winter is beneficial to your overall health. The air may feel extra cold when you are elderly, but that should not be a reason to hibernate for the season. Instead, activities you can enjoy outside give a boost to your mental and physical wellbeing. If you love the idea of taking a stroll around the park but struggle with mobility, consider hiring a home health care professional. They provide the help you need to stay active and live life on your terms.
5 Winter Activities to Stay Mentally and Physically Fit
Sometimes, you may want to be outside but are unsure what you would do once you get there. You may be tempted to give up. Don’t! Instead, let these activities inspire you to grab your winter gear and head outside:
- Start Up the Barbeque: Cooking outdoors isn’t just for hot dogs and hamburgers in the middle of summer. You can cook all year long when it is dry outside. Why not fire up the grill and cook away? Yes, s’mores roasted over an open fire count, too.
- Take a Walk: If your area sees a lot of snow, you are in for a treat. Keep an eye on the forecast, bundle up well, and head to the park when the sun is out again.Look for pretty winter birds, rabbits, and even the busy squirrels digging up hidden acorns in the snow. If it’s a light flurry, feel the snowflakes fall on your nose while you embrace what nature has to offer.
- Play with Family: Your grandchildren will love building snow people, and you will cherish every minute of their giggles. You can finish the afternoon with some hot cocoa inside.
- Watch a Movie: With new safety protocols in place, movie theatres are open again. Enjoy a fun afternoon or evening with a few friends or family members watching a movie without sitting on a couch at home.
- Take in an Outdoor Attraction: Christmas markets, outdoor light festivals, bake sales, festival shows, and many other holiday events are on at this time of the year. Some are even drive-through events so you can be outside your home without having to brave the cold.
Enjoy Friendly Support from Home Instead
When you want to head out, but a family member cannot go with you, your senior caregiver may be able to accompany you. The staff at Home Instead Etobicoke / North York offers you and your family friendly, competent caregivers. We help you with many home care services to ensure you or your senior loved one can enjoy an abundant life all year long. Contact us for more information on our services, such as seniors returning home from hospital, cooking for seniors, housekeeping home help, as well as Parkinson’s help, Alzheimer's and dementia care, and much more. We are here for you today and every day.
Call us at (416) 239-2200 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver, every day, to families in All Etobicoke including: Kingsway, Mimico, Long Branch, Islington, Richview, The Community of Humber Heights, Rexdale, Markland Woods North York West including: Willowdale, Rexdale, Downsview, Humberwood, Weston, York University Heights, Humber Summit and areas in between.