Winter is the time of year when we tend to spend more time indoors. Although it can be hard to stay busy during the winter, it is important to keep the body and mind active. Here’s how seniors can stay busy during the winter.
Below is a list of five of the most popular activities that seniors can do to stay busy during the winter.
1. Board games. These are fun to play and are especially beneficial for seniors. Research has shown that playing board games helps maintain cognitive function, memory retention, and mental clarity. Many board games are low stress, which can help lower blood pressure. In addition, playing board games improves social skills and interpersonal relationships while preventing seniors from being lonely and isolated.
2. Crafts. Doing crafts can help stabilize hormone levels and heart rate while stimulating the release of endorphins, which contribute to pain and stress relief. Some crafts include making a collage or scrapbook with old photos, knitting, and painting.
3. Baking. It is relaxing and unwinding. Since seniors tend to have smaller appetites, baking can be an effective way to encourage seniors to eat more.
4. Watch movies at home with family and/or friends. If you can’t gather with family and/or friends in person, there are many apps and extensions you can use to virtually gather. A Google Chrome extension called Netflix Party allows you to watch movies together online.
5. Yoga. Health benefits of yoga include reduced hypertension and anxiety, strengthened bones, and increased balance and stability.
The Boom Health app helps you get help with in-home elder care. Boom Health brings instant digital tools to free up time so you can spend that time together instead. Find the app on the App Store or Google Play Store.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
