Fun Things to Do in Winter

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Senior woman smiling, bundled up in coat and scarf, outside in snow
The Shores of Lake Phalen

Minnesota winters can be harsh, making it easy to stay in bed sipping tea all day long. But the winter season can also be full of opportunities to get out and have some fun – you just have to be a little creative. Get off the couch, brighten your spirits, and keep your mind and body sharp with our list of fun things to do in winter.

Fun Things to Do in Winter

Go for a Snowy Stroll

Walking is fun, free, and a great way to stay sharp during the chilly winter months. Walking outdoors can also help stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that occurs when your body produces depression-like symptoms as a result of decreased exposure to sunlight. It may come as a surprise that a few minutes of light can counteract SAD symptoms – even on cold, bleary days. When it’s too cold or icy to walk outdoors, make time for a short stroll indoors. You can enjoy an invigorating walk at your local community center, the mall, or even indoors on the campus at your local university.

Take a Yoga Class

Get moving this winter with a gentle, low-impact yoga class. Yoga has a wide variety of benefits for seniors:

  • It builds stronger bones.
  • It improves balance and strength.
  • It lowers high blood pressure.
  • It reduces anxiety symptoms.

Host a Game Night

There’s nothing like a get-together with friends to boost your spirits this winter. Cozy up with board games, puzzles, or dominoes, cook up some comforting dishes or warm drinks, and get ready for a fabulous night in. You can even make things interesting with a poker or Scrabble tournament. Either way, a wintry game night will keep you connected with friends. 

Go for a Dip

It’s normal to feel a little stiff during the winter months. To stretch your muscles, engage in some low-impact exercise at your nearest indoor pool. Swimming has great benefits for seniors, including improved balance, endurance, and strength. One study in Australia even found that men over the age of 70 who swam regularly were 33 percent less likely to suffer from falls. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you can sign up for water aerobics classes in the shallow end. You can even conclude your pool session with a quick dip in the hot tub for an extra treat.

Listen to Music

What better way to boost your mood during the dreary winter months than with some uplifting tunes? Head to a community choir performance, plan a trip to the symphony, or take a crack at making your own music at a community music class. Music isn’t just for fun: Studies have shown that music has the power to boost your coordination and overall cognitive abilities during your golden years. You can even plan a group trip to the theatre for an upscale night out.

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The weather outside may be frightful, but there are still plenty of fun things to do in winter to keep your spirits up. Grab some friends and hit the gym, host a board game night, or visit a community performance venue. You might find yourself enjoying winter more than you could have expected.

If you’re looking for a new home where you can enjoy your golden years, check out The Shores of Lake Phalen in Maplewood, Minnesota. Located in a wooded setting near two lakes, our community offers apartment-style housing with the atmosphere and elegance of a resort. Thanks to the team of dedicated staff members, residents enjoy a carefree lifestyle without the common worries of running a household. Schedule a tour to explore our community or give us a call at 651-777-7784. We look forward to hearing from you!