Winter Activities at Addington Place of Prairie Village Offer Fresh Air and Energy

Fun winter activities for seniors in Prairie Village, KS, include scenic walks, photography and nature appreciation, gardening, seasonal socials, indoor walking workouts, and craft and cocoa sessions. These are all possible to do whether you're living solo or in a senior living community, and as long as you bundle up and wear non-slip shoes, you'll remain safe.

Weather Spark states that winters in Prairie Village, KS, are cold, snowy, and windy. The cold season lasts from November 27th to February 26th, with an average daily high temperature below 49 degrees.

These temperatures can be very chilly, especially for seniors. But that doesn't necessarily mean you should stay huddled inside for an entire season.

There are numerous winter activities in Prairie Village that are accessible, meaning that older adults can certainly have fun during these colder months.

What Are Some Fun Activities for Seniors?

Winter wellness is especially important for seniors. Many are prone to the winter blues, and some may even get seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Keeping active and engaged can help keep negative feelings and low moods away, so consider these fun activities for your cold weather routines.

Scenic Walks

One of the healthiest and simplest winter activities you can do is take scenic walks. And it doesn't have to be anything major either.

Even a brisk yet gentle walk outdoors can:

Boost circulation
Improve mood
Help prevent stiffness

The key is to dress warmly in layers. You should also wear non-slip footwear and walk during daylight hours. Not only is it warmer, but there's better visibility.

This is one of those outdoor aging activities that's also fun to do with others. You and your friends or family can stroll along the winter wonderland while having fantastic talks.

Photography and Nature Appreciation

Winter may feel dreadful with its low temperatures and snow. But if you take a moment to take in your surroundings, you'll realize that it creates a beautiful environment that's only temporary.

So look at the bright side of things and find beauty outside. For example, there are:

Frosted trees
Snowy landscapes
Winter wildlife

Observe the chirping birds or how plants have changed with the season. And if you want to remember these moments, snap them up! Even if you only have a camera on your phone, you can still capture breathtaking photos.

Gardening

Greater Good Health says that gardening provides several physical and mental health benefits for seniors. Even though winter means snow, and snow means dying plants, you don't have to give up gardening completely.

For example, you can:

Tend to hardy potted plants on the patio
Create small container arrangements
Prepare indoor bulbs for spring bloom

You don't have to focus on plants themselves either. A fun project can be decorating outdoor planters with pine branches, ribbons, or birdseed ornaments, which can help feed local wildlife too.

Seasonal Socials

Gathering with your friends and family can help take you out of a winter funk. It's hard not to smile and laugh in the company of others, and it may be just what you need to get through this winter.

You can have the traditional s'mores around a fire pit, or you can hold a simple hot chocolate social. Combine it with a winter sing-along, and you'll feel joy and togetherness. To keep everyone warm, provide thick blankets, heaters, and hand warmers for maximum coziness.

What Activities Are Good for Older Adults Indoors?

You don't have to spend all your time outdoors to do winter activities. For instance, if it's too cold and dangerous to go outside, you can still check off physical activity by doing an indoor walking workout.

For something more fun, hold cozy craft and cocoa sessions. Activities include:

Making seasonal decorations
Painting
Knitting
Assembling bird feeders

Whatever you choose, having a hot cup of cocoa or tea in your hands will feel nice!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Do Retired People Do in the Winter?

The winter can be quite chilly, so most retired people stay indoors. However, that doesn't mean they're idle.

Not only do they indulge in hobbies, but also in leisure time with their loved ones. They may also briefly head outdoors for seasonal senior fun, as the snow is only there for the winter, after all!

If they're in a senior living community, then they may participate in assisted living recreation too. This is great for both their health and social needs.

What Hobby Should a 70-Year-Old Have?

There's no single hobby that every 70-year-old should have. Instead, it depends on their:

Interests
Mobility
Cognitive status
Social goals

Here are some great ideas for hobbies that can be done in an assisted-living setting:

Low-impact exercise
Arts and crafts
Music
Games and puzzles
Light gardening
Reading, writing, and memoir groups
Technology/learning

To find out what works, pick hobbies that can be scaled and make them social too, to reduce isolation. Rotate through several short trials of several hobbies to see what "sticks."

What Are the 4 Ps in Freezing Weather?

The 4 Ps in freezing weather are used to prepare people for freezing/cold weather. They are:

People: Keep people warm and limit unnecessary outdoor exposure.
Pets: Make sure animals have warm shelter, unfrozen water, and limited outdoor time.
Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes, keep faucets dripping during extreme cold, and make sure the building's heating is maintained.
Plants: Move potted plants indoors or provide appropriate frost protection.

Participate in These Winter Activities This Season

Winter in Prairie Village can mean freezing temperatures and snowfall. And yes, it can be safer and more comfortable to view all of this from the comfort of your warm apartment.

However, you should stretch your legs and get some fresh air during these months. So why not participate in the above winter activities?

Not only can they help you stay in shape, but they can also foster and maintain connections with those around you. If you're interested in senior living in Prairie Village, KS, get in touch with us now. Addington Place of Prairie Village is a pet-friendly community that has cable included in all our apartments.