Avoid Cabin Fever with Engaging Senior Activities

Expert weather forecaster groundhog Punxsutawney Phil gave us good news earlier this month that his shadow was amiss: an early spring is in store for us! While our furry friend’s news is something we can all huzzah about, here are five elderly-friendly ways seniors can curb cabin fever until spring catches up.

1. Take a musical trip around the world . You can ask friends to share with you some of their more eclectic music collection tastes. Make a list of countries around the world you’ve never been to and find samples of their music to play online. Perhaps you joined us on our Heathwood Assisted Living and Memory Care outing to the Amherst Symphony Orchestra or our singalong with the Treble Makers in Penfield earlier this month. There are many ways you can experience travel in your retirement years— much within your senior community!

2. Learn a new skill . Pluck out a few notes on a new instrument. Are you crafty? Dabble in a different medium: clay, paint, chalk—the sky is the limit. See if you can learn a few words in a new language (bonus: there’s extra fun in this as your friends and family will be impressed with your savoir-faire).

3. Get out and get moving! Yes, there’s still some snow on the ground, but that’s never stopped us before. The sun is rising earlier and setting later each day, so Mother Nature is on our side! Bundle up and go out for lunch with friends, take in a movie matinee or a quick mid-day stroll around your senior living grounds with your caregiver. Silver Sneakers shows us a few exercises seniors can start with if you feel you need a tune-up after the long winter.

4. Heat up some of your favorite warm weather foods . Grilled hotdogs, fresh fruit smoothies, pasta salads—a few tasty reminders that spring is around the bend.

5. Host a fun get-together . Invite your friends over to your independent senior living apartment for a poetry slam, homemade Jeopardy contest, or other entertaining theme of your choosing. Check out the Heathwood Williamsville or Heathwood Penfield Activities calendar if you need a little inspiration. You’ll have a lot of laughs and see who has a hidden talent too!

Now that you’ve a few ideas to get you started, cabin fever is no match for you. We’ll be hearing the sweet melody of songbirds through our windows in no time!