Sometimes, a rainy day can get in the way of our plans. Whether you live at home, in senior living, or with your family, it can be hard to think about what to do with your day. Fortunately, our team at The Legacy at Long Meadow is here to help with a list of fun indoor activities.
7 fun indoor activities for seniors include:
- Exercising
- Musical therapy
- Arts and crafts
- Learning a new skill
- Board games
- Movie nights
- Social hours
Exercising
It’s never too late to start exercising. And if you’re looking for an indoor activity that can benefit you long-term, exercise is a great option. You don’t need a home gym or rock-climbing equipment. Instead, start with slow, low-impact exercises. They’re great for the body, heart, and mind.
So, if you’re inside looking for something to do, why not try:
- Chair yoga: Stretch and strengthen your body with yoga poses modified to be performed while seated.
- Tai chi: Practice gentle flowing movements to improve balance and reduce stress.
- Resistance bands: Use these lightweight bands to perform stretches or strength training exercises.
- Wall push-ups: Build upper body strength without the strain of traditional floor push-ups.
- Leg lifts: While sitting or standing, lift your legs to strengthen your thighs and improve circulation.
- Walking in place: Keep your heart rate up and your joints moving with this simple cardio exercise.
- Water bottle weights: Fill bottles with water and use them as makeshift weights for arm exercises.
These all can help keep your body strong and don’t require any advanced equipment or training. Just remember to take things slow and work your way up, and you’ll be enjoying your new exercise routine in no time.
Musical Therapy
Music has an incredible ability to evoke emotions, bring memories, and let us enjoy the present. It also has wonderful therapeutic benefits as well. It can boost your mood and lower feelings of anxiety. Music therapy does wonders for the brain, whether you’re playing an instrument, singing along to your favorite tunes, or simply sitting and enjoying a wonderful song.
There’s even a link between playing a musical instrument and improved cognitive function in older adults. So don’t be shy about picking up an instrument or joining a community music group—it’s never too late to learn and reap the benefits of musical therapy.
Arts & Crafts
Sometimes, the easiest activity can simply be to create something. Arts and crafts allow you to express yourself in a way that only you can do.
If you’re not sure where to start, why not try:
- Scrapbooking: Create a beautiful album full of memories by arranging photos, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia.
- Knitting or crocheting: Not only can you fashion cozy scarves or blankets, but these activities can be meditative and soothing.
- Painting: Whether it’s watercolor, acrylics, or oils, painting can be a way to convey emotions or capture memories on canvas.
- Coloring books: They’re not just for kids. Adult coloring books have intricate patterns that can help with concentration and stress relief.
- Jewelry making: Craft your own unique necklaces, bracelets, and earrings using a variety of beads and materials.
Any of these can be an excellent way to enjoy a day indoors, and you get to create something out of nothing.
Learn a New Skill
Who doesn’t love to learn something new? If you don’t know what to do on your next rainy day, try to pick up a new skill. Plenty of programs online allow you to pick up something new, and there’s a little something for everyone.
So try your hand at:
- Learning a new language
- Cooking a delicious meal
- Indoor gardening
- Writing stories and poetry
- Photography
Learning a new skill is an excellent way to keep the mind sharp, and you can also wow everybody with your new abilities!
Board Games
Sometimes, a bit of healthy competition can be all you need to enjoy a day spent inside. So reach out to your family and friends and see if anybody wants to try out a board game night. There are plenty of options where you can compete against your loved ones, like:
- Scrabble
- Chess
- Card games
- Bridge
- Cribbage
- Monopoly
And if you aren’t competitive, why not try more relaxing options? You can play card games or solve a puzzle with your loved ones. It isn’t about winning, after all—it’s about quality time spent with the people that matter.
Movie Nights
Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, detective stories, or action flicks, a movie night can be an incredible way to unwind and enjoy a fun evening. Reach out to the people around you and see if anybody wants to set up a movie night. All you need is a television and some snacks, and it’s a sure-fire way to have a great time.
Social Hours
Some days, the best way to spend your time is by doing nothing but chatting with the people around you. So why not see if anybody wants to sit down, have a cup of tea or coffee, and simply talk the day away?
You’ll be able to bond with those around you and create meaningful connections—all essential parts of staying healthy.
Live Life Your Way
At The Legacy at Long Meadow, we’re all about creating a warm, welcoming community filled with engaging experiences and meaningful connections. That’s why we provide our residents with access to plenty of services, amenities, and programs so they can live life their way while surrounded by people who truly care. Schedule a tour with us today to see for yourself!