Indoor Entertainment Ideas for Seniors (Guest Post)

The winter can be a difficult season to get through, especially for senior citizens. The cold weather and can keep seniors cooped up inside and left without anything to keep themselves busy.

 Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities that seniors can participate in, both at home and in public venues. Discover the indoor senior activities that are sure to keep you entertained this winter!

Play a Game! 

Board games are a great way to stay entertained during the winter. A game of Solitaire can keep you entertained if you're alone, while a game of Monopoly can engage the whole family for hours on end. Bingo is another great game that can keep your mind busy. 

December is National Bingo Month, making it the perfect indoor activity for the start of winter! The game itself acts as excellent mental stimulation for senior citizens, and is a perfect way of making new memories with friends and family! 

If the weather is pleasant, consider heading out to a local community center and checking their bingo schedule. You'll be able to meet new people, mingle, and maybe even win a prize.

Get Physical! 

If you have a tech-savvy family member, they can show you how to use a video game console to play bowling right in your own living room! Bowling is an excellent activity for seniors in optimal health, and can help you maintain your muscle tone. 

If you're really into bowling, check your local alley for league information. This will ensure you stay active and entertained all winter long!

Channel Your Inner Artist! 

If you're stuck inside this winter, arts and crafts are a great way to keep yourself entertained. Whether it's a Christmas ornament for your tree or a piece of writing, like a poem, get your brain working on something creative! 

If you aren't feeling all that creative yourself, venture out to a local art exhibit and take in the art of others. Experiencing art and culture stimulates your brain and can broaden your mind!

Entertain Your Brain!

Read a newspaper or dive into a book series. Reading helps to keep your brain in optimal condition, no matter what you are reading. 

A fictional book can expand your imagination, which some studies suggest help with maintaining your memory. Make reading a part of your daily routine, and increase the amount of time that you read during the winter to keep yourself occupied.

Bond With Your Family!

Sometimes, there is no better activity than spending quality time with your loved ones. Make plans to see your family once a week, watching movies or talking about all of your memories. 

Spending time with your family is always a treasured activity, but it can mean more to you during the holidays and winter months when the cold, dismal weather can bring down your mood.

Keep yourself peppy and active this winter with these indoor entertainment ideas!

About the guest author:   Ruth Folger Weiss loves writing for Chestnut Woods Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, a nursing home in Saugus, MA.