Winter’s arrival shouldn’t make for a dull experience for senior citizens living at home. It doesn’t matter if you’re stuck in a rut with your aging loved one or simply seeking a new activity that can be added to the list There are myriad of ways to get older adults up and outside when temperatures drop. Here’s a list of nine affordable and fun spots for seniors this time of year. That’s only the beginning of it the quest to enhance the lives of loved ones –winter, spring, summer, or fall.
Explore Your Town
It’s a popular joke in New York, especially among native New Yorkers. A lot of them seldom — if ever! — go to popular tourist spots, for example, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. But this phenomenon isn’t limited only to Big Apple. Indeed, both townies and city dwellers alike admit to being oblivious to the sights of their own backyards. So why not set aside some time this winter to be a tourist with your loved one who is getting older?
You don’t need to be in a major destination like New York to find plenty of enjoyable and affordable locations for seniors. Go to your local newspaper and look through the Calendar section for a comprehensive list of events and places sure to make you take a look at the place you live in a new way.
Browse at a Bookstore
Amazon may have changed the way we purchase the books we read, but it’s no substitute for the great old-fashioned bookshop experience. Make a visit to the local bookstore to peruse the shelves, check out the magazine stands, visit an author’s reading even — just one of many ways you can make senior visits more meaningful.
Visit a Museum
Museums aren’t only great destinations for rainy days, but they also offer excellent educational opportunities for older adults. While many museums are free but some also offer discounts for those who are older — including everything from free admission days to huge discounts on admissions. Do your research in advance in order to know where to go and when. (Don’t you see a senior price? Ask. Not all organizations advertise their senior discount programs.)
Also, ensure that you take your aging loved one’s passions when selecting the best destination. For example, a lifelong hoops enthusiast would be looking at a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame, however, an individual who loves Impressionism will probably prefer an art museum.
If your aging loved one is a Bank of America cardholder, you can take part in their unique Museums on Us program, which grants free admission to more than 150 museums that are participating every first Saturday of each month. It is also possible to subscribe for text-message reminders about eligible weekends!
Head to the Local Bingo Parlor
Who doesn’t love the thrill of yelling “Bingo”? Many churches, senior centers, and community centers hold bingo events for senior citizens. Looking for the nearest bingo hall? Make a call to your local Chamber of Commerce or use this handy Bingo Locator which has a database of over a thousand bingo halls throughout the US as well as Canada. Usually, you can fin a nice Bingo night at assisted living in Costa Mesa.
Not all exciting and inexpensive places for seniors involve leaving home. Think about hosting your own bingo night with friends and your family. It’s also a fantastic way to make multigenerational fun for both children and young at heart to have fun playing together. Furthermore, it’s a dependable solution to end boredom for seniors while enjoying your time together as a family.
Take a Step Back in Time
Many older adults have fond memories of meals they ate in their younger years. And while they may not be as popular as they once were it is possible to find an old-fashioned diner, drive-in, or a dive for lunch with a hint of nostalgia.
Take a different strategy by inviting your older family member to join the latest fashions and inviting them to join you on an afternoon meal at a food truck that is well-known.
Celebrate Summer in the Winter
Cold winter days make many of us yearn for the phenomenal feel of summer. Caregiver caregivers can provide seniors with a taste of the warm weather to come by arranging a day to pay homage to this highly anticipated season. You can take a trip to the beach or stop by the ice cream shop you love with your loved ones and enjoy the wonder of an unplanned “moment in the sun.”
Go Antiques Shopping
Browsing through an antique shop can be akin to embarking on a treasure hunt It’s impossible to know when you’ll stumble across something completely amazing. If your aging loved one has a collection of Depression glass or Fiestaware they’ll enjoy trying to find the perfect deal to add to their collection. If not, with a bit of time to look around and open your mind, do you know what treasures you’ll discover? Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to reminisce and share memories too!