8 Indoor Activities for Seniors

Colder weather has its limitations, but it also comes with perks. Namely, that feeling you get when it’s frosty outside and you’re warm and cozy by the fireplace. There are plenty of fun indoor activities for seniors to keep you busy and active until the warmer months come around. Here are eight ideas to get you started:

Puzzle the Day Away

Puzzles were made for winter. It’s the ideal time to hunker down at your table and enjoy the rush that comes from fitting two pieces together. Puzzles are also one of the best indoor activities for seniors to do with their grandchildren. Like word puzzles? Check out the online games offered by The New York Times like Wordle, The Mini, Connections, and Strands. 

Warm up Your Kitchen

What better time to experiment with new ingredients and recipes than when you’re stuck inside? As the weather turns colder, roasts, soups, and stews replace simpler fare like grilled salmon and salads. Here’s a recipe by Ina Garten that’s sure to warm you up: Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Puff Pastry Croutons. 

Join the Podcast Revolution

Increasingly, podcasts are replacing traditional sources of news and entertainment. The number of podcast listeners has nearly doubled in the past five years. Some 59% of podcast listeners tune in while doing something else, like driving, cleaning, walking, or just taking a break and resting their eyes. Check out Spotify or Apple Podcasts to explore more than 5 million podcasts available, finding in-depth conversations about topics that interest you. 

Put Pen to Paper

Have you ever thought about writing a book or short story? The winter months are the perfect time to grab a pen and paper or laptop and pour your thoughts out. Don’t worry about getting published. Just write and see what happens. You could also try your hand at sharing your lifetime of experiences with loved ones through a memoir. 

Stitch up a Storm

Skills like knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitching aren’t being passed on from generation to generation like they used to be. So if you take the time to make something special for someone in your family, it’s likely to be cherished. Another idea is to see if a younger family member is interested in learning your craft either in person or over a video call.

Tackle that Stack

Do you have a pile of books you always planned on reading “someday”? Why not make that day today? Grab a blanket, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine and a book from that stack. Or take a trip to the library and try something new. You could also give your eyes a break and try listening to books via a service like Audible, which is especially rewarding when you hear a memoir read by the author. Need one to get you started? “Fierce Attachments” by Vivian Gornick tells the story of the author’s lifelong battle with her mother for independence and was named the best memoir of the last 50 years by The New York Times. 

Keep Moving

Whether or not you have access to a gym, you can stay active throughout the winter. Visit YouTube and search for “yoga for seniors” — or do the same for weights, pilates, stretching, or whatever kind of exercise you like. If walking is your thing but you don’t have room for a treadmill, check out one of the many affordable and easy-to-put-away options available. This one by GoYouth ($288 on Amazon) was voted the best walking pad by Runner’s World, weighs only 50 pounds, and has wheels that make it easy to move. Double up on fun indoor activities for seniors by walking while you listen to a book or podcast.

Make a Melody

It’s never too late to learn to express yourself through music. There are plenty of online learning courses and apps that can get you started once you decide on an instrument. Pick up the acoustic guitar and serenade your friends or play along with your favorite tunes on the piano.

Indoor Activities for Seniors at The Atrium at Navesink Harbor

The Atrium at Navesink Harbor believes in living vibrantly all year long, no matter the season. That’s why our beautiful campus located right on the waterfront in New Jersey offers a variety of amenities and activities to keep you entertained in any weather. Spend time unleashing your untapped creativity in our community art studio. Enjoy a delicious meal in our dining room while looking out over the water. Visit our well-stocked library — right down the hall from your front door. Contact us today to learn more about everything we have to offer at our life plan community. Or, schedule a tour to experience a day in the life of waterfront living.