Fall & Winter Months of Inactivity

Posted by Mary King Oct 4, 2009

Autumn means brisk temperatures and blustery days – stimulating for many people who love the cold – but a sign that many older people dread. Aches and pains seem to get worse as the temperature drops. It's easy for older people to become depressed during the long cold winter months as many are stuck indoors. Ice and snow increase the possibility of falls among the elderly, making conditions too dangerous for many seniors to venture outdoors.

What can older people do to stay active indoors during harsh winter months? As crazy as it may sound, a Nintendo Wii Fit program might add stimulation to an elderly person's day – and create fun for the entire family. Grandchildren and parents can get Grandma and Grandpa to exercise a little each day and have a good laugh, too! It's better than nodding off in front of the TV all day or watching movies.

Fitness programs, dancing, and video music programs are fun for kids of all ages – including children that have disabilities who have limited mobility. Break out a few CDs or burn favorite selections at home on the computer for hours of fun and physical exercise. Speaking of dancing, have Grandma or Grandpa teach the kids a few classic steps for more great family entertainment – and exercise.

How about indoor gardening? Gardening therapy is terrific mind and body exercise for anyone stuck indoors, and garden project possibilities are endless: try indoor plants or vegetables in container gardening, creating dish gardens, or herb gardening. Start a collection of cacti or African violets. A small work area on a back porch or some other suitable spot is all that's needed for potting plants. Grab a few supplies like pots and bagged soil, plant food and a watering can, and maybe some newspaper to keep any mess under control. A small old table makes a great work area.

Need some gift ideas for the holidays or a birthday? Go green with gardening gifts and make someone happy while helping the environment. Ergonomic tools, by the way, are easy to handle for people who have difficulty with hand grip. Next spring, when gardening moves outdoors, try extension tools for elderly gardeners and anyone else who has trouble bending or reaching.

There are many things to do indoors for people that are elderly or family members with physical or mental limitations. Creating new projects is half the fun. Fend off depression and moodiness with stimulating activities. Caregivers are just as prone to inactivity and dull moods during cold winter days, so be sure to keep things moving to beat the winter blues.