As the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, it’s easy to bundle up indoors and hide away until spring. The cold weather can make it difficult to stay active, and the shorter days and longer nights can affect your mental health.
But autumn and winter weather can be the perfect time to discover new ways of staying physically, mentally, and socially engaged. From indoor activities like crafting or yoga to outdoor fun like nature walks and scenic drives, there are plenty of cold weather activities for seniors to explore.
Here’s how to plan ahead and create your calendar, stay active and warm, and prioritize your safety this fall and winter.
Why it’s important to plan activities for cold weather
Since colder weather brings more hazards, it helps to give yourself plenty of cushion for any curveballs. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can easily disrupt impromptu plans, so try to schedule things in advance, with any potential weather challenges considered. Planning activities for colder weather also allows time to prepare for winter-specific needs like transportation, clothing, and gear.
By starting early, you have a better chance of securing spots in classes, events, or trips that fill up quickly. You may even be able to choose from multiple time slots, so you can plan to attend activities during the daylight hours.
Create your winter activity calendar
Before you start making concrete plans, it’s a good idea to do some research and brainstorming. First, think of indoor and outdoor activities you’re already interested in or have wanted to try. Consider listing out a mixture of social, physical, creative, and educational activities, so you have plenty of well-rounded options.
You could also look into local resources like community centers, senior groups, and fitness organizations that offer activities similar to your interests. Once you find something that appeals to you, check for registration openings and deadlines and mark them down or set an alert on your phone as a reminder.
After you’ve narrowed your list, consider creating a calendar with dates for each activity. You could use a pen and paper, print off a template, or even try your hand at designing your own on a website like Canva.
How to prioritize your safety during cool weather activities
There are unique risks that come with planning activities for colder weather, like ice and snow, hypothermia and frostbite, and winter storms. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize your health and wellbeing as you plan your fall and winter activities. Talk to your doctor about any specific health concerns or limitations you might have, and how any medications might interact with planned activities or the weather.
Aside from a health checkup, here are a few other ways to stay safe and warm while you’re active outdoors this winter:
Fall and winter indoor activities for seniors
Whether it’s a new hobby or joining a club, there’s no shortage of indoor cool weather activities. Setting daily or weekly goals for the activities you choose can help create structure and motivation — even when the weather keeps you stuck inside.
Creative activities
Things like knitting, crocheting, painting, baking, or woodworking can help pass the time and provide a creative outlet — you may even get a few homemade gifts out of it. Hands-on activities like this can help reduce stress and improve mental focus. Plus, there may be local classes, online programs, or community groups that can help you get started and provide some social interaction.
Mentally stimulating activities
Board games, puzzles, and books can help you flex your mental muscles and provide another opportunity for socialization. You could host a regular game night, start or join a book club, or explore online platforms where you can connect with others and do either activity virtually.
Looking to use the cool weather as an opportunity to learn something new? Paid online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and MasterClass offer various courses for creative writing, computer skills, foreign languages, and more. Or, suppose your area has museums, libraries, community centers, or higher education institutions. In that case, there’s a good chance they offer things like guided tours, lectures, workshops, and adult enrichment classes — some may even be free.
Fitness activities
Regular exercise can improve your physical health, boost your mood and energy, and help combat winter blues. Gentle exercises like yoga, tai chi, and Pilates can be great for flexibility and balance while walking or swimming can help your cardiovascular health. If you have extra space, you could even set up your own home gym and fit in a workout without leaving the house.
You can also look for local classes specifically tailored for seniors or see if there are any online videos or live-streamed courses to follow along with at home. Whatever activity you choose, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.
Fall and winter outdoor activities
On milder days, it’s good to get outside and reap the benefits of fresh air and sunlight — and there are plenty of ways to stay warm and active outdoors in the winter and fall for seniors. Stroll through your neighborhood, plan a scenic drive, or explore a local park, and bring along a camera, journal, or nature guidebook to make your outing more engaging. For your safety, it’s a good idea to plan your walks during daylight hours and check the weather forecast before you leave.
If you enjoy group activities, check your community center, local gyms, or social media for outdoor exercise classes designed for seniors. These classes typically offer low-impact activities like walking groups, yoga, or tai chi. Wearing layers is a good idea, so you can adjust your clothing as your body warms and cools.
If you’re more adventurous and able to participate, winter sports like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing can be effective ways of staying fit. If you’re new to these sports, consider taking an introductory class or joining a group where you can learn from others.
Whether you choose to stay inside, outside, or a little bit of both, careful planning and preparation can help you make the most of cool weather activities this fall and winter.
*Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical consultation or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
United Medicare Advisors does not endorse or recommend any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned in this article. Reliance on any information provided in this blog post is solely at your own risk. We encourage you to discuss any health concerns or questions with your doctor before making any decisions about your health or treatment.
