Winter’s arrival shouldn’t equate to a boring sentence for people who are living at home. If you’re stuck in monotony with an aging loved one or are looking for a new activity to add to your list, there are near-endless ways to get older adults up and out of the house once the thermometer drops. Find a comprehensive list of nine enjoyable and affordable places for seniors this season. This is only the beginning of it the quest to enhance the lives of loved ones — whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall.
Explore Your Town
It’s a well-known joke for New Yorkers who are natives: Many of them rarely – at all! visit popular tourist spots, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. But this phenomenon isn’t limited only to Big Apple. In fact, townies and city dwellers alike admit to being oblivious to the sights of their backyards or senior living in Costa Mesa facilities. So, why not spend some time this winter enjoying a game of tourists with your aging loved one?
There is no need to reside in a large city such as New York to find plenty of affordable and enjoyable places for seniors. Take a look at your local newspaper and go to the Calendar section for a comprehensive listing of events and activities certain to help you discover your surroundings in an entirely new light.
Browse at a Bookstore
Amazon could have revolutionized the way we purchase ebooks, however, there’s no replacement for the authentic old-fashioned experience of a bookstore. Go to your local bookshop to browse the shelves, visit the magazine stand, or visit an author’s reading event — just one of many ways you can increase the value of senior visits.
Visit a Museum
Museums aren’t the only places to go during inclement weather, but they also provide fantastic learning opportunities for older adults. Although many museums are open for free some also offer discounts for older adults — such as everything from free admission days to massive reductions on entrance fees. Do your homework in advance for information on where to visit and when. (Don’t find a senior rate? Ask. Many organizations don’t advertise their senior discount programs.)
Additionally, make sure to keep your elderly loved ones’ preferences when choosing the best destination. For example, a long-time basketball fan will be looking forward to a visit to the Basketball Hall of Fame, or an admirer of Impressionism would most likely prefer visiting an artist’s museum.
If your elderly loved one is a Bank of America cardholder, in addition, they can participate in their revolutionary Museums on Us program, which gives free admission to more than 150 participating museums on one weekend each month. You can even enroll to receive text message reminders about eligible weekends!
Head to the Local Bingo Parlor
Who doesn’t love the thrill of shouting “Bingo”? A lot of churches, senior centers, and community centers organize bingo games for seniors. Are you unsure of where to find a bingo hall near you? Make a call to the local Chamber of Commerce or use this handy Bingo Locator which lists thousands of bingo halls throughout the US along with Canada.
Not all exciting and inexpensive places for seniors involve leaving home. Make it a point to host your own bingo evening for your friends and relatives. This is also a wonderful option to create a multigenerational atmosphere and both the young and the young at heart take pleasure in playing. Furthermore, it’s a dependable solution to end boredom for seniors while making the most of your time together as a family.
Take a Step Back in Time
Many senior citizens have fond memories of meals from their youth. And while they may not be as popular as they used to be, you can still find a classic diner, drive-in, or dive for lunch that is accompanied by nostalgia.
You can also take a different method of inviting your senior loved one to join in the latest trends by taking part in an evening meal at a well-known food truck.
Celebrate Summer in the Winter
It is a fact that cold winter days make a lot of us pine for the sensational feeling of summer. Caregiver caregivers can provide seniors with an experience of the warmer weather to be in the near future by planning a trip paying homage to this eagerly anticipated season. If you decide to drive to the beach or stop by the local ice cream shop with your loved ones will enjoy the excitement of a surprising “moment in the sun.”
Go Antiques Shopping
Going through an antique store is similar to going on treasure hunting there’s no way to tell when you’ll stumble across an item that’s truly extraordinary. If your loved one who is aging is a collector of something like Depression glass or Fiestaware and you both love trying to find the perfect deal that can be added to his collection. If not, with a bit of time and an open mind, who knows what wonderful things you’ll find? Do not miss this fantastic opportunity to talk about your past and share stories too!