This time of year, the weather truly IS frightful. February is a cold month stuck in between the holiday fanfare of New Year’s Day and the first inklings of spring in March. Extremely cold temperatures, gray skies, snow and ice all make it difficult, if not impossible, to be outside. Let’s face it, cabin fever is kicking in. Here are some fun activities that are senior-friendly to help pass the time while we wait for spring to arrive.
- Learn Something New! Take an online class or quick tutorial to learn a new skill. There are endless possibilities depending on your interest and how much time you want to devote to the project. Online teaching forums like “The Great Courses” provide a wide range of options that include topics in fine arts, history, economic, business and skill building. You can learn how to draw or take a course on the American Military History.
Learning a new skill or revisiting an old interest can improve cognitive ability and memory function which researchers believe are powerful tools to ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. When we learn something new, our brains grow new cells and build new connections which can improve memory and sharpen our problem-solving skills.
- Tackle a Project. Do you have a box of photographs that need to be sorted through and organized? A junk drawer that will barely close because it is so full? It is easy to turn a blind eye to these less-than-fun projects on our to-do list, but winter is the best time to hunker down and get it done. Make yourself a cup of tea or hot chocolate, find a good movie on television and get to work. The sense of accomplishment you will enjoy when it is finished will be well worth it!
- Reconnect with an old friend. If you are stuck indoors it’s likely that your friends and family members are, too! In today’s busy world, finding time to catch up on life with loved ones can be a challenge. If you are waiting out a winter storm, pick up the phone and call an old friend. Reconnecting with friends who share common interests can greatly boost our happiness and help relieve stress. Maintaining healthy friendships is important for people of all ages – it makes us feel connected to others, and can help ward off loneliness, especially in seniors.
- Challenge Your Brain. Crossword puzzles may not actually improve cognitive function, but they do challenge our mind’s fluency. Fluency is the ability to find words and is found in the speech and language center of our brain. A crossword puzzle can stimulate your brain and help those gears turn as you process the clues and search for the answers. Whether you choose an easy puzzle or a New York Times Sunday version, completing a puzzle can bring about a terrific sense of accomplishment.
- Write Down Your Family History/Genealogy. There are multiple online options to trace and record your family’s lineage. Today’s technology has catalogued thousands of records from all over the world, with easy access to birth and death certificates, marriage records, immigration papers and more. It can be a fascinating journey of discovery to uncover one’s ancestors and learn about the people who came before you.
- Plan Your Garden. If you live at home, you can use the cold winter months to plan your garden for the next season. Once spring hits the outdoor chore list becomes impossibly long, and there may not be a lot of time to plan what you want to plant. Use the time stuck indoors to research and plan what flowers or vegetables you want to get in the ground so you can be ready when the time for planting arrives.
Assisted and supportive living communities like Evergreen Senior Living always have a myriad of senior-friendly activities and outings planned for their residents, with the winter months being no exception. Check out the monthly schedule to see what activities will help you keep the winter blues at bay!
