The arrival of winter doesn’t need to be a dull sentence for seniors living alone at home. You may be stuck in a rut with your aging loved one or looking for some new activities to add to your list, there are near-endless ways to get seniors active and out of their homes when temperatures drop. Find a comprehensive list of nine affordable and fun spots for seniors this time of year. It’s not the end of it when it comes to enriching the lives of loved ones –winter, spring, or summer.
Explore Your Town
It’s a joke that is common about New Yorkers living in the city: A lot of them seldom — – if ever! — go to famous tourist spots, for example, The Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. The phenomenon isn’t restricted to the Big Apple. Indeed, both townies, as well as city dwellers, admit to not seeing the sights in their own backyards. Therefore, why not take the time this winter to go on a trip with your beloved aging parent?
There is no need to reside in the midst of a major tourist destination such as New York to find plenty of affordable and enjoyable places for seniors. Get your local paper and head to the Calendar section to find a complete list of events and places sure to make you see where you live in a new way.
Browse at a Bookstore
Amazon could have altered the way we purchase books, but there’s still no substitute for the classic, old-fashioned bookstore experience. Go to your local bookstore to peruse the shelves, look over the magazine rack, or go to a reading of an author even — just one of many ways you can improve the quality of your senior visits.
Visit a Museum
Museums aren’t the only places to go when it rains, but they also offer excellent educational opportunities for seniors. While many museums are completely free there are others that offer deals that cater to older people from assisted living in Costa Mesa — with everything from admission-free days to steep discounts on entry fees. Do your homework in advance in order to know where to go and when. (Don’t find a senior rate? Ask. Some organizations do not advertise their senior discount programs.)
Also, be sure to take your aging loved one’s passions when selecting the location. For instance, a lifetime hoops lover will look at a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame, or an admirer of Impressionism would probably prefer an artist’s museum.
If your aging loved one is a Bank of America cardholder, in addition, they can participate in their innovative Museums on Us program, which offers free admission to over 150 museums each weekend on the initial weekend every month. You can even subscribe for text-message reminders about weekends with a qualifying date!
Head to the Local Bingo Parlor
Who doesn’t like the excitement of shouting “Bingo”? Many senior centers, churches, and community centers host bingo evenings for seniors. Wondering where to find an area where you can find a bingo hall? Call your regional Chamber of Commerce or use the Bingo Locator which offers a wide range of bingo halls throughout the US or Canada.
There are many fun and affordable activities for seniors involved in leaving home. Have a bingo night for your friends and family members. This is also a wonderful way to make multigenerational fun for both children as well as the old to have fun playing together. Additionally, it’s a sure solution to end boredom for seniors while enjoying the time you spend together as a family.
Take a Step Back in Time
Many senior citizens have fond memories of the meals of their youth. Even though they may not be as widespread as they were in the past there is still the classic drive-in, diner, or dive for lunch that is accompanied by nostalgia.
Or, you can take a totally different approach and invite your elderly loved one to join in the latest trends by joining you for a lunch date at a popular food truck.
Celebrate Summer in the Winter
Cold winter days can make many people long for the wonderful feeling of summer. Caregivers can give seniors the chance to taste the summer to come by planning a getaway in honor of this much anticipated season. You can take a trip to the beach, or visit the local ice cream shop together, your aging loved one will relish the whimsy of an unexpected “moment in the sun.”
Go Antiques Shopping
Exploring an antique shop is a bit like embarking on a treasure hunt It’s impossible to know when you’ll come across an item that’s truly extraordinary. If your elderly loved one collects something like Depression glass or Fiestaware they’ll enjoy hunting down the perfect score for their collection. If not, with some time to explore and open your mind, do you know what treasures you’ll discover? Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to revisit your past and share experiences as well!