For seniors, staying active indoors when it is not possible to be outdoors is essential. Whether it’s due to extreme weather or shorter daylight hours from daylight savings time, the “winter blues” often start with outdoor activity is reduced.
However, there is good news. Staying active, engaged, and connected can help combat these challenges. Let’s look at some of the best indoor activities for seniors that promote healthy aging, enhanced mental health, and stress reduction.
Top 8 Indoor Activities for Seniors
1. Seated Exercise
While you might love to go for long walks or swim every day, it’s hard to keep up with some of these activities when you’re inside. Instead, opt for some seated exercise options to get the blood pumping and keep active. If they’re more advanced, consider sharing some no-equipment workouts, like a YouTube Zumba class or Deupree House Wellness Director Chloe Hough’s Wellness Wednesday video series.
2. Reading
Keeping the mind sharp is a crucial aspect of healthy aging. One of the best ways to exercise the mind is by reading. Choose books that spark your interest, whether that’s fiction or nonfiction. Find a few good books from the library or order some from your favorite bookseller. Consider starting or joining a book club, or share what you’re reading with those you love.
3. Visual Art
Think about what you loved to do when you were a kid. Did you enjoy drawing? Painting? Playing with clay? Whatever it is, consider revisiting that project now. Creative activities help keep your mind active and allow for self-expression in unique ways.
4. Games and Puzzles
Games and puzzles are excellent tools for mental stimulation. Whether you want to play on a board or your smart device, games can help you connect with others and inspire healthy competition. Beyond that, doing puzzles or puzzle books (like Sudoku and crosswords) will encourage you to problem-solve and think creatively to find new solutions.
5. Photography
Photography can be a fulfilling hobby, even if you’re just starting. Use your camera or smartphone to capture everyday moments around your home or visits from loved ones. As you improve, you’ll develop an eye for detail and create lasting memories to share with friends and family.
6. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a great way to turn your photos into lasting keepsakes. Get some supplies from a craft store and start organizing your memories. You can use photos from years ago or ones you’ve taken recently. No matter what you create, this is a sure-fire creative way to reflect on cherished memories and share them with others.
7. FaceTime & Video Calls
Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can’t chat with friends and family. Maintaining social connections is key to emotional well-being, so be sure to schedule regular video calls with your family and friends.
At ERS, we understand how important technology can be to our residents’ quality of life, but we also know that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to use FaceTime on an iPhone or iPad—and how to join a FaceTime call from an Android or Windows. Residents can also request assistance from team members who work at their community.
8. Lifelong Learning
If you’re a lifelong learner, this is the perfect time to pick up a new skill or dive into an interesting subject. Enroll in online courses, listen to educational podcasts, or read books on topics you’ve always wanted to explore. Exploring new information and learning new things is a great way to keep your mind agile.
Spending more time indoors at a senior living community or elsewhere doesn’t have to mean boredom. With the activities outlined in this article, you can stay physically and mentally engaged, no matter the weather or season. Exploring hobbies that excite you and bring joy to your day is an excellent way to find fulfillment and enrichment.
