16 indoor activities for seniors to enjoy all year-round
We all know that getting outdoors is good for our health and wellbeing, even in the depths of winter, but what about those days when the weather just won’t play ball? We’ve put together an inspirational list of indoor activities that are entertaining, tackle boredom in retirement, enhance mental and physical health and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home.
Activities for seniors at home that broaden the mind
It’s never too late to learn something new and lifelong learning provides cognitive stimulation, reduces stress and improves wellbeing. Here’s some simple ways to keep your brain active.
1. Reading
Reading has been shown to improve everything from memory and communication skills to empathy levels and mental health, so make time each day to dive into a good book or a newspaper.
As well as being a source of free books, your local library offers a range or resources including newspapers, magazines and computers and can make a pleasant change of scene as a spot to sit and read on a rainy day.
And, to turn reading into a sociable experience, why not join a book club? As well as making friends, you may find yourself enjoying books you wouldn’t have chosen. Ask your library or community centre about local book clubs.
2. Learning a new skill online
Do you want to learn a new language? Or how to do graphic design? The internet has given us all almost unlimited opportunities to learn new skills, from Open University educational courses to the University of the Third Age which offers less formal online learning, challenges and competitions as well as opportunities to meet up ‘in real life’.
Why not download Duolingo to your smartphone for a fun—and free–way to learn a new language in just a few minutes every day.
3. Listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks
Like reading, listening to music has multiple benefits, from lifting your mood to improving memory, and it has a unique ability to transport you to a time and place. Apps like Spotify allow you to make playlists for every genre, from every era, and can offer suggestions to broaden your musical taste. But it’s not all about digital music. Vinyl has become very fashionable in recent years, so dust off your collection and invite friends and family to listen with you.
Listening is also relaxing way to learn. Audiobooks are a fantastic alternative to reading— Audible are a good source, or dip into the numerous podcasts available on every subject from true crime to politics to keep you informed, up-to-date and entertained—try BBC Sounds.
Games for seniors to play at home
Playing games for seniors has many benefits including improving memory and problem-solving skills. As well as the classics, there are now digital games specifically designed for older adults.
4. Board games
Gather friends or family for a regular game of Scrabble, Monopoly, Cluedo or Pictionary. Challenge your grandchildren to chess or dominos—it’s a great way to pass on your skills.
5. Card games
Card games provide an excellent excuse to get together and test your skills with friends. Try bridge, rummy or a friendly poker night. Not feeling sociable? Solitaire is a satisfying way to pass the time alone.
6. Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, sudoku and other brain-teasing logic puzzles are great for keeping your mind active whether you opt for pen and paper or online versions.
7. Digital games
Digital technology provides countless opportunities to challenge your brain, from online mah-jong and chess to specific brain training apps. Get into the habit of doing a quick daily online puzzle e.g. Wordle.
Craft activities for seniors at home
Craft activities for seniors improve dexterity and creativity as well as reducing stress. Crafting with a group (for instance ‘knit and natter’) is sociable and many McCarthy Stone homeowners use their skills to raise money for their favourite charities, for instance knitting clothes for premature babies, which has got to be good for wellbeing. The best thing about crafting is there are so many options you’re bound to find something to suit your interests. Did you know that many McCarthy Stone retirement developments have arts and crafts groups—and some have dedicated hobby rooms too?
8. Needlework and knits
As well as being a fantastic skill, knitting, crocheting and embroidery are relaxing and very rewarding as you can create beautiful gifts for friends and family.
9. Drawing and painting
With painting, drawing, or sketching, you can challenge your creativity, explore new techniques, or simply enjoy the calming process of creating art. Get inspiration from Graham who is still creating portraits in his 90s or Peter who had his first art exhibition aged 73.
10. Jewellery making
Whether you try silversmithing or beading, work with polymer clay or repurpose vintage treasures into statement pieces, jewellery-making is a fun way for you to explore your creative side.
11. Candle-making
With a little know-how and the right supplies, candle-making is easy and great fun—and the results make lovely gifts. Read our candle-making guide.
12. Cooking and baking
Whether you’re baking cakes for a charity coffee morning, jarring sauerkraut for gifting, whipping up a curry for pals or crafting bread for fun—cooking nourishes your mind, body and soul. Find recipe inspiration from our homeowners and chefs.
Physical activities seniors can do at home
Keeping fit and healthy is increasingly important if you want to stay active long into your retirement and there are plenty of exercises you can do from home that will lift your mood while strengthening your body.
13. Chair-based exercises
Maintain strength and flexibility with chair-based or bodyweight exercises that are suitable for all abilities and fitness levels. Try these exercises for the over 70s designed by specialist personal trainer, Ben Broadhead.
14. Yoga & Tai Chi
Improve balance, flexibility, and mindfulness with yoga or Tai Chi routines. Classes (both in-person and online) cater to a variety of levels and abilities and encourage you to go at your own pace.
Social activities for seniors at home
Socialising doesn’t just stop you from feeling lonely, it’s thought to increase your happiness and wellbeing and even sharpen your mind. Even if you’re home alone there are plenty of ways to make a meaningful connection with the world outside. And, of course, if you live in one of our retirement communities you can head to the communal lounge for a chat whenever the mood takes you.
15. Connect with friends and family virtually
Smartphones, social media and apps make it easy to speak to friends and family all over the world through video calls or with online group chats. Read our guide to the best tech to keep in contact.
16. Join online communities
Whether you’re a fan of Facebook or prefer to delve into the debates on Reddit, you can join active online communities to discuss everything from your hobbies to current affairs.
Rain or shine, you’ll enjoy a rewarding retirement with McCarthy Stone
McCarthy Stone is an award-winning creator of exceptional senior living retirement properties—and one of the many benefits is the communal areas, which mean you can leave your home without having to brave the elements. Whether you choose Retirement Living or Retirement Living PLUS—which comes with additional amenities including a sociable bistro—you’ll find on-development clubs and activities such as coffee mornings, film nights, art lessons and yoga, so you can go out without going out, out. Read our community stories or find a property now.
Got a question about our communities? Call a friendly member of the team on 0800 201 4811 or message us online.
