Winter Weather Activities for Aging Adults

By Robert D. Liken CPC, CTS, President

January 3, 2019

When an elderly adult struggles with health issues that make it hard to leave the house, they must rely on family caregivers and home care providers to assist them in arranging outings and organizing errands. In winter weather, however, it is often wisest to avoid traveling in inclement weather and stay indoors. Being homebound in winter can be extremely dull for the aging adult. Finding interesting activities to keep them busy is a real challenge for the family caregiver and home care provider.


Senior Care in Sewickley PA: Winter Weather Activities
Senior Care in Sewickley PA: Winter Weather Activities

There are plenty of winter activities that seniors can do that go well beyond watching television and DVDs. When family caregivers and home care providers are brainstorming ideas, they must consider the aging adult’s abilities and interests as they make plans.

Activity #1: Organize

It’s always a good time to do something about improving the living space. Seniors can work with home care providers to sort through closets and drawers, collecting clothes and other things to donate. Even just organizing messy drawers and rearranging closets can be worthwhile. Rearranging the furniture and decor can also be an invigorating snow day project to bring enjoyment to elderly adults.

Activity #2: Educate

Learning doesn’t have to stop with school or paid employment. Just because someone is elderly doesn’t diminish their desire to learn new things. Winter days are ideal for taking a free online class, watching seminars and classes online or even reading a few how-to articles to accomplish a goal. Other ideas include learning a new language, exploring classic literature or joining an online book club.

Activity #3: Fit and Healthy

Most people complain they don’t have time for exercise, but snowbound seniors are in a wonderful position to do some exercise. Age-appropriate aerobics, tai chi and yoga are ideal. It’s a good time to overhaul the meal and snack menus, getting rid of all the junk food and cutting down on sugar, unhealthy fat and processed food. With the home care provider, and elderly adult can create a week of menu items that are nutritious and healthy. Other bad habits like smoking or excessive drinking can be addressed as well.

Activity #4: Games and Entertainment


Of course, playing games with friends and family is a wonderful way to spend a day. Home care providers can also be a fun and worthy opponent for board games, video games, trivia competitions and more. Non-competitive options include jigsaw puzzles, word searches, adult coloring books and brain teasers.

When the weather outside is frightful, it’s delightful for seniors to have some interesting, productive or entertaining activities to do to pass the time. Keeping their bodies and minds sharp and engaged means they are less likely to feel isolated, lonely or depressed.

If you are considering hiring Senior Care in Sewickley, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Liken Home Care. Call (412) 693-6820 or (855) 856-0551.