It’s cold and icy outside. A stroll around the block or even the few steps to a waiting car is now hazardous for seniors. A sunny park bench across the street might look tempting, but a fall between here and there would be catastrophic. So what other options are there to keep your aging loved one moving and stimulated this winter?
If they live in a senior’s residence:
Other options, and for those living independently:
The main thing to remember is that physical activity for seniors does not have to mean strenuous exertion; the main thing is to intersperse movement throughout the day, and that can be something as simple as sweeping, folding laundry, unloading the dishwasher, or even a walk around the house during the commercials of a favourite show.
Other winter activities that don’t require exertion but prove good for health and wellbeing:
On another note, nature and the great outdoors are still unequivocally one of the best providers of physical, mental and spiritual nourishment. On a sunny clear day, try to arrange to take your aging loved one on a car ride outside the city. You’d be surprised how delightful it is to see open sky and snow covered fields, and forest when most of your days are spent indoors. Plus, it’s another great way to spend quality time together.