4 Activities to Help Seniors Fight the Winter Blues
As the colder months arrive, it’s time to start planning wintertime activities for those in senior living in Denver. Shorter and darker days can make seniors vulnerable to (seasonal) depression, but with these stimulating indoor activities, older adults can stay happy and healthy throughout the wintertime.
From brain games to social activities, there are plenty of winter activity options in senior living in Denver. Here are the best ideas to give a try once it gets cold outside:
1. Throw a Classic Dance Party
Music is one of the best ways to keep seniors’ brains stimulated, active, and engaged. Even when memory problems start to affect seniors, music can trigger feelings of nostalgia and bring positive memories back to the surface, which is precisely what you want to help them combat the winter blues.
Put on some classic tunes and encourage them to get up and groove (in safe ways, of course). Fun movement and nostalgic music paired together are sure to chase away any negative emotions in seniors during the winter months.
2. Host a Puzzle Party
Puzzles are fun for all ages, and studies have shown that completing puzzles and similar “brain games” work at keeping senior cognition sharp. They encourage problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as stimulate geospatial activity in the brain.
You can make a puzzle party fun and enticing for everyone, even those struggling with memory problems, and include festive and winter-themed puzzles to lift everyone’s spirits.
3. Turn On Festive Holiday Movies
Almost everyone has a favorite holiday film that they turn on each winter, so gather everyone together for a fun and festive indoor movie night! You can even set up a makeshift concession stand to make the occasion a bit more eventful and fun — just make sure that you serve snacks and drinks that are accessible and safe for everyone in the room.
4. Spa Days Full of Pampering
Anyone senior living in Denver deserves to enjoy a thorough pampering session during these winter days. Bring your own spa materials to the community and offer luxurious services that they wouldn’t otherwise normally access. These can include things like manicures, pedicures, facials, and simple grooming tasks. For seniors with memory problems, focus on low-stimulation tasks like hair brushing and nail clipping. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make residents feel special. Seniors are bound to feel more like themselves when they look their best!
Best Ways to Combat Winter Depression in Seniors
The holiday season should be joyful and light, but that isn’t always the reality for many seniors. Thankfully, you can use the above guide to create a memorable and fun winter for residents of senior living in Denver!