Winter is a wonderful time of celebrations, but it can also be a difficult time for seniors. Being isolated, plus the cold weather and shorter days can be hard on them. Here are a few ideas to help keep your senior loved ones feeling happy, healthy, and engaged during the winter months:
Enjoy the outdoors
-Take them for a walk around your neighborhood. If there's snow, make it an adventure. The crunching of snow underfoot can be great fun for some seniors.
-Go to a nearby park together. Bring along some snacks and a blanket if you want to stay awhile—you never know who you'll meet!
-If they’re not up for a walk, get in the car and drive somewhere new with them! Take them somewhere they've never been before—and let them see some new sights along the way. Some holiday attractions might help get them in the mood for the season!
Stay social
Make sure they have plenty of opportunities to see friends and family! If they're not ready for that, go visit them at home and take them out to lunch or shopping. If spending time in person isn't an option, try calling or texting them often so they know you're thinking about them.
Be active
Encourage your loved one to move around more—even if it's just walking around the block every day, it will help them stay active and feel better about themselves. If they have mobility issues, there are plenty of exercises they can do that will help keep them strong and healthy throughout the winter months.
Keep busy with crafts and hobbies
Whether it's crocheting, painting, or woodworking—or something else entirely—the key is to find something that gets your loved one's hands working and their mind focused on something. Whatever gets their creative juices flowing can do wonders for their mood and energy levels!
