Winter drives everyone indoors for months at a time, which can impact both ones’ mental and physical health. However, for seniors, losing their social opportunities and favorite activities can be even more detrimental. Whether you start taking your senior loved one to adult day care or entertaining them at home, you can keep them engaged with the following activities until warmer weather returns.

How to Keep Your Loved One Engaged This Winter

1. Grow an Indoor Garden

Gardening is a popular hobby for seniors, as it keeps both their minds and bodies engaged. When the ground is frozen and it’s too cold to go outside, an indoor garden can replicate some of those benefits until spring arrives, while also adding a bit of warmth and comfort to the home.

2. Create a Scrapbook

Winter is a great time to go through boxes of old photos and put together scrapbooks with pictures and keepsakes. Along with exercising creativity, scrapbooking will also give your loved one a chance to reminisce with you.

3. Play a Board Game

Trivia, chess, and other board games offer mental stimulation and the social interaction that many seniors lack in the winter. You and your family members can gather at your loved one’s house for a game night once a week, or you can take them to adult day care so they can play games with their peers.

4. Take a Class

The winter can be an ideal time to pick up a new hobby, make friends, and develop new skills. Try encouraging your loved one to sign up for an art class, a photography course, or a local book club to get him or her out of his or her comfort zone.

For over 40 years, Bethany St. Joseph Corporation has offered support and social opportunities for seniors throughout La Crosse County, WI. At their adult day care centers, your loved ones can enjoy interaction with their peers throughout the winter, with enough leisure activities to ensure they won’t get bored no matter how cold it gets. Visit their website for more information on their adult day care services, follow their Twitter for updates and advice, and call (608) 788-2900 to arrange a tour.