Indoor Activities to Keep Seniors Moving This Winter
Ohio winters can be brutally cold, and when the temperatures are hovering in the single digits, it’s understandable that you don’t want to leave the warmth of your home. However, physical movement is essential for your health, and you can’t let the cold of Northeast Ohio step between you and your well-being.
The good news is that there are tons of at-home and indoor activities that you can do that will not only keep you warm but also be fun and help you stick to your 2025 activity goals.
At-Home Activities
On days when it’s too cold to leave the house, it’s perfectly fine (and usually recommended) to find something indoors to do. While this can sound mundane, it doesn’t have to be. You can try a different type of movement each day, or if you find one you love, keep at it regularly. A great way to do this is by taking advantage of the huge variety of classes and videos online.
SilverSneakers LIVE Online and On-Demand Classes
Do you have a membership with SilverSneakers? This program is available to eligible seniors over 65 who have access through their Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan. With a SilverSneakers membership, you get access to both their LIVE Online and On-Demand video classes you can partake in from home. You can find all types of workouts, from chair yoga and body strength circuits to stretching for mobility and dance.
A virtual fitness class is a workout you participate in at home, but you receive instructions from a fitness instructor. Some classes are live, meaning you reserve your spot like you would a standard fitness class, log into the class through your phone or computer, and follow along with a live instructor. Other classes are on-demand, meaning the workout is pre-recorded, and you watch it on your own time.
AARP Fitness Center
AARP is an excellent resource for older adults, offering everything from financial advice and senior discounts to expert articles and videos on a wide variety of topics. The AARP Fitness Center is an online tool full of free workout videos of all kinds. Best yet, this is completely for older adults, so you don’t have to spend time sifting through videos tailored to your age group. They also offer tips and advice to consider regarding movement, fitness, and overall wellness. Much of this content is available without an AARP membership.
Everyday Functional Movement
Physical activity doesn’t have to mean a traditional workout. While it’s important to incorporate exercise into your routine, any way you find to move your body and stay active is good for your health. If you’re looking for out-of-the-box ideas to add movement to your day, here are some ideas you may not have realized can help:
- Gardening indoors
- Cooking or baking
- Art projects like painting or sculpting
- Dancing
- Pet care like feeding, grooming, and playing
- Sorting and decluttering objects like books and collectibles
Community Activities
On days when the weather is mild enough to go out, consider taking a class or workshop at one of these local gyms or wellness centers.
Mentor Community Recreation Center
The Mentor Community Recreation Center helps local residents and non-residents stay active. All classes are just shy of an hour and open to adults and teens 14 years and older. A few popular options for older adults include:
- Yoga
- Zumba
- Barre
- Balance & Burn
Mentor Senior Center
The Mentor Senior Center hosts regular fitness classes of all levels, including Circuit, Stability, Boom Move, and Boom Muscle. They also have an on-site fitness center with equipment.
Additional Resources to Keep You Moving from Visiting Angels
Visiting Angels is a team of local, compassionate caregivers who are always happy to help clients stay active, especially during the winter months. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety and welfare of clients so they can remain independent at home. In addition to assisting seniors with non-medical household and personal care tasks, we also offer resources to help improve overall well-being. Take a look at the related resources below next!
Contact our Mentor office to learn more about at-home care solutions with Visiting Angels and how we can add to your lifestyle.