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Health & Aging | Caregiver Support
Updated from the original publication on December 15, 2022.
Winter can be a wonderful time to slow down, connect and make meaningful memories with someone you love. Whether you’re a family caregiver looking for activities to enjoy with an older adult or simply searching for ways to make the season more engaging, there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality time together.
At the same time, shorter days and colder weather can make it easier to spend more time indoors and become less active or socially connected. From holiday traditions to hobbies, exercise and outdoor activities, these ideas can help older adults and caregivers make the most of the winter months together.
Quick Answer: What Are Good Winter Activities for Seniors and Caregivers?
Winter activities for seniors and caregivers can include holiday decorating and baking, visiting seasonal light displays, exercising indoors, doing arts and crafts, starting a book club, growing an indoor garden, spending time outdoors and learning a new hobby together. The best activities are those that match an older adult’s interests, abilities and comfort level while creating opportunities to stay active, engaged and connected.
Holiday Activities for Seniors and Caregivers to Enjoy Together
Go Holiday Shopping Together
Turn holiday shopping into time together, whether you visit a favorite local shop, browse a holiday market or choose gifts together from home. Art galleries, garden centers, pottery shops, and holiday markets could be fun to explore.
Decorating for the Season
One way to brighten the holidays is with festive decorations. You can decorate together indoors and out, whether that means hanging a favorite wreath, arranging greenery or bringing out treasured decorations from years past.
Enjoy a Holiday Light Tour
From zoos and botanical gardens to historic neighborhoods, holiday light displays are a great way to spend an evening. For older adults who prefer not to walk long distances, look for displays that offer drive-through or driving options.
Bake Seasonal Favorites
Another activity you might want to try this winter is baking. Baking seasonal favorites can be another enjoyable way to spend time together. From cookies and pies to treasured family recipes, choose something you'll both enjoy making. If you have fun in the kitchen together, you could even consider taking a cooking class after the new year.
Indoor and Outdoor Winter Activities for Seniors
Try Indoor Fitness Activities
Winter weather can make it tempting to spend more time sitting indoors. Finding enjoyable ways to stay active can add movement and variety to the day. Chair yoga, Tai Chi, resistance bands, balance exercises and a recumbent bike are a few activities to consider based on an individual's abilities and comfort level.
Schedule a Craft Day
Arts and crafts can be a creative and enjoyable way to spend a winter afternoon together. If you don't have much crafting experience, consider picking up a simple craft kit at a hobby store or looking online for project ideas.
Start an Intergenerational Book Club
If you and your loved one are looking for indoor winter activities, friends and other family members might be, too. Organizing a book club might be a way to bring several generations together. Your local library or bookstore can be a great place to find book club suggestions that appeal to different generations.
Plant an Indoor Garden
While most people associate gardening with summer, there are ways to plant and nurture a garden indoors as well. Herbs, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and dwarf citrus all make good indoor crops. If you're new to indoor gardening, look for tips on choosing plants and creating the right growing conditions to get started.
Spend Time Outdoors
Connecting with nature is another way to enjoy the winter. Create a list of outdoor activities you can engage in together. On moderate weather days, you can pick one to do. It might be a walk through the woods at a local park, setting up and filling bird feeders, or taking nature photos.
Learn a New Hobby Together
Winter can be a great time to learn a new hobby together. Free online tutorials can help you explore interests such as watercolor painting, drawing or writing.
Discover More Ways to Stay Connected This Season
At Presbyterian Senior Living, opportunities for connection, friendship and meaningful engagement are part of everyday community life. If you're exploring senior living for yourself or someone you love, discover a PSL community near you and see what life can look like.
