Indoor Winter Activities for Adults in San Antonio Memory Care
Indoor winter activities for adults can transform the coldest season from drab to exciting. From jigsaw puzzles to game nights, there is no shortage of indoor winter ideas for seniors to explore.
Are you a senior in San Antonio, TX, finding yourself at a loss for activities that you can enjoy during the winter months? When days shorten and temperatures dip, it can be all too easy to snuggle in bed, watch television, or scroll through social media. However, these activities may do you more harm than good.
Instead, fill your days with fun and cognitively stimulating activities that can be done indoors. With the right agenda, you'll never be bored during the winter, and it will be spring before you know it.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Did you know that completing jigsaw puzzles offers significant health advantages? According to Martha Stewart, not only are jigsaw puzzles a fun way to pass the time, they can actually aid in building your cognitive reserve, a powerful tool in combating dementia and other diseases.
Once you complete a jigsaw, you can disassemble it or frame it to display in your home. Use tape or glue to ensure the pieces stick together while you assemble it in the frame, and put it up as a beautiful accessory and a symbol of your achievement.
One of the most prominent benefits of jigsaw puzzles is that they are excellent activities for multitasking. Work on your latest puzzle while listening to an audiobook or chatting with friends.
Constantly purchasing jigsaw puzzles can be an expensive habit, especially for seniors with a fixed income. As an alternative, consider signing up for a puzzle subscription service. You can borrow a puzzle and send it back in exchange for a new one, usually for a monthly fee.
Reading
While staring at a phone, tablet, or television screen can provide plenty of passive entertainment, picking up a book does much more for your cognitive functioning. Reading every day has many perks, including:
- Improved brain function
- Expanded vocabulary
- Stress reduction
- Better critical thinking skills
- Increased empathy
Keep reading material with you wherever you go. You may be surprised at how many opportunities you have to read a few pages.
If you are more tech-savvy, consider purchasing an e-reader. Make sure to buy one that does not have a blue-light screen, so you can read before bedtime without disrupting your circadian rhythm.
Reading can also be a social activity. Book clubs are popular options for seniors because they are affordable and provide opportunities to connect and discuss works of literature.
Indoor Gardening
You do not have to wait for spring and summer to cultivate a beautiful garden. The solution? Bring the plant life indoors.
Many indoor gardens need less space than you think. For instance, if you have a windowsill that has access to sunlight, you can start a miniature herb garden. There are also tomato plants that can grow in smaller indoor spaces, perfect for seniors with limited square footage.
In addition to herbs, the following can thrive indoors with proper care:
- Leafy greens, such as lettuce and kale
- Tomatoes and peppers, with dwarf varieties
- Small citrus trees
- Root vegetables like radishes and carrots
- Mushrooms
If other seniors in your community are interested in indoor gardening, start a gardening club. Shared gardening allows you to divide the labor and bring unique skillsets to the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is San Antonio Like During the Winter?
You do not have to worry about enduring harsh winters as a senior in San Antonio, TX. Due to its location in the southern United States, residents of San Antonio enjoy mild winters, with higher temperatures than other parts of the country.
With warmer temperatures during the winter, seniors can explore outdoor activities in a more comfortable setting. Taking a walk does not mean combating snow and ice, and you will not have to put on many layers to step outside your door.
How Can Seniors Combat Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal affective disorder, also known as the "winter blues," plagues millions of people every year. It can be particularly prevalent in seniors, who may already experience feelings of loneliness and isolation that can increase during the holiday season.
Engage in activities that boost your mood and provide positive benefits. Surround yourself with family and friends if possible. Further isolation can worsen symptoms, and it may be difficult to make it through the winter season.
Additionally, a consistent winter routine will give you things to look forward to daily. If you find yourself missing sunlight, consider investing in a daylight simulation lamp to help wake you up in the morning, so you can experience the advantages of a natural sunrise.
What Are the Benefits of Engaging in Dementia-Friendly Activities for Memory Care Residents?
Although it is structured differently from assisted living or independent living programs, memory care can provide just as much enrichment. Seniors in memory care often benefit from activities that help retain cognitive function.
Some of the best activities for memory care residents include:
- Outdoor enrichment
- Puzzles and games
- Music therapy
- Looking at old photos
- Animal therapy
Cognitive support through activities is one of the keys to maintaining mental and physical wellness, as well as slowing the progression of diseases such as dementia. The San Antonio memory care lifestyle can be educational and fun, not just about managing symptoms.
Try These Indoor Winter Activities for Adults
You shouldn't have to suffer from boredom during the coldest months of the year. With these indoor winter activities for adults, you can stay engaged and entertained all year long.
At The Haven and the Laurels, we offer plenty of activities and entertainment for our residents, both through seasonal memory care programs and assisted living. With exclusive amenities such as chef-prepared dining, curated activities and events, and on-site concierge services, our residents can thrive in senior living without worrying about the little things.
Are you ready to explore all that The Haven and the Laurels has to offer? Reach out to us today to learn more about our beautiful community, or visit us in person to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!