Enjoy the snow!
Happy New Year! With the new year came the snow here in Maine. I enjoyed the first few days of the new decade in my winter boots and my wool hat playing in the snow! But now, paired with freezing temperatures and sometimes icy streets and walkways, it’s enough to keep the less physically active senior population indoors.
But even if that’s so, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you fit both mentally and physically. Here is a list of my favorite ideas for staying physically active:
1. Walk. You don’t have to be outside to go for your usual long walk. Get a ride to the local Mall and walk inside for 20 minutes. While you’re at it you can window shop, and afterwards spend some time with your book or favorite newspaper in one of those coin operated massage chairs you often find in malls. Or if you prefer some social time while you exercise, check to see if there are any local indoor walking clubs for seniors. Hospitals, malls and various elder care centers often sponsor or host indoor walking groups in the winter.
3. Socialize. It’s easy to use the weather as an excuse to stay inside, so set a weekly date with friends for lunch. Make it fun and have your date at a nice restaurant so everyone can dress up in their afternoon best.
4. Play! Afternoon bingo or card games at the seniors center can help to avoid feeling isolated in the winter weather.
5. Swim. Yes, swim in the winter. Visit your local indoor pool. Swimming is one of the best exercises for seniors. It’s a full body exercise and is low on risk for injury. Like walking, this can also be a social activity if you want it to be. Most facilities will offer water aerobics and maybe even some seniors swimming classes.
6. Exercise at home. Purchase inexpensive exercise DVDs that are designed for seniors. On the days that you get snowed in and have to cancel your walking group, dance class, or bridge game, you can have a physical activity to keep you active right there at home.
For those more physically challenged, there are many options still:
1. Take a scenic bus tour. Do a little research in your area. Many bus tours in historical areas still run in the winter time. It can be a great way to enjoy the snow without being encumbered by it.
Join friends in a cooking class.
2. Pick up a new hobby. Collaging, scrapbooking, cooking classes, pottery classes, and other arts are great indoor hobbies. Puzzles are another great stimulating indoor activity.
3. Learn a new sport. Virtual sports are a great new alternative to getting some exercise while also playing and having fun. There are systems you can buy that can allow you to virtually fly a plane, ride a bike, or drive a fast car.
4. Create your own island vacation. Host an island-themed party, complete with Hawaiian music, complimentary leis and tropical fruit and drinks.
5. Take a class. Whether it’s at the local community center or adult education center, or on the internet, the winter is a great time to take a class on a subject that you’ve always been interested in.
6. Join or start a book club. This is a great option. It’s mentally stimulating and social!
7. Volunteer your time. There are plenty of volunteer programs out there for retirees and seniors, like the Foster Grandparents program at Senior Corps. If you like animals, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter.
8. Use your local resources. Look online and in the newspapers for local community calendars that have event listings. City and town Chamber of Commerce cites often have community calendars.
If you’re thinking that none of these activities are really for you don’t be discouraged. Think about what you like to do, what gives you pleasure and see if you can’t come up with a way to incorporate it into a daily or weekly activity that will also provide you some exercise. Remember the important things are that you challenge your mind and exercise your body, and of course that you play from time to time too.
Happy New Year! Lynn