7 Indoor Activities for Seniors to Stay Active and Engaged in Zanesville, OH

Ohio has seen an uptick in turbulent weather in the past couple of years, and the summers are getting hotter all around the world. Some people see this as an opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather, but too much sun and heat can prove dangerous for seniors. The same goes for long winters and the cold they bring.

However, staying indoors doesn't have to equal a boring time. There are plenty of activities and hobbies seniors can participate in without going outside.

Here are seven elderly engagement ideas and indoor activities for seniors in Zanesville, OH.

1. Arts and Crafts

Some fun activities for seniors that don't involve going outside include anything to do with arts and crafts. These hobbies are great for stimulating creativity and keeping the mind sharp, regardless of age.

The Zanesville community can create workshops for seniors that cover anything from pottery to knitting. Local community centers often offer these workshops in one form or another. They're a good opportunity to meet new people and try new mediums that they might practice at home.

On top of that, certain arts and crafts can help improve fine motor skills and cognitive function. Even someone who struggles to walk can participate in painting and scrapbooking, among other indoor senior hobbies.

2. Yoga and Gentle Exercises

Yoga and gentle exercise routines are an easy way for seniors to maintain flexibility, balance, and overall physical health. These classes are often modified for seniors who may have issues with their joints or strength. As such, they're highly accessible and beneficial for everyone.

Some of these yoga classes focus more on gentle stretching and breathing exercises. They don't push seniors too hard and accommodate various fitness levels. Modifications can be made, such as allowing individuals to sit during the lesson.

Regular participation can reduce stress and help seniors feel more connected to their bodies.

3. Game Nights

Senior indoor games provide ample opportunity for fun and social engagement. Game nights and tournaments can involve classic board games, trivia contests, and card games.

There are options for more competitive seniors, like casino night or trivia. A little bit of competition helps to get the blood flowing and forces them to think more acutely.

The best part is that all of these games can be played indoors, out of the heat and humidity.

4. Book Clubs

Book clubs and reading clubs are great for seniors who like literature and discussing their favorite books. It's much more accessible for seniors who may not have enjoyed film or TV as much growing up.

Local libraries and senior centers often host book clubs that help community members gain access to new books. Senior living communities will also arrange trips to the local library for anyone who wants to check something out.

The best books to host at your book club are those that everyone can enjoy. At the same time, the topics should expand each reader's worldview and help them grow as a person.

Stay away from anything too political unless everyone agrees on the subject. The same goes for religious texts unless you're in a bible study group.

Another good thing about reading is that it can be done anywhere. When the weather clears up or gets cooler, each senior can read outside in the park or by the pool. The meetings themselves can also happen both indoors and outdoors.

5. Cooking Classes

Cooking and baking classes are great activities for seniors for several different reasons.

First of all, it's a fun and practical way to enhance their culinary skills. Not every senior is an amazing cook. Even if they do love to cook, they might not have explored the many different cuisines you can find in different cultures.

By cooking in a group setting, each individual can help each other learn and grow. There will also be plenty of taste testers to let them know what they could change in the recipe.

Second, cooking classes can help seniors learn more about their own dietary needs and restrictions. Instead of relying on frozen dinners or takeout, they can make healthy meals.

Finally, cooking in groups allows for people to communicate with one another. It forces you to be somewhat social and become more comfortable around others.

6. Music and Dance Sessions

Music and dance are universally enjoyed by seniors from all walks of life. You'd be hard-pressed to find a culture that doesn't enjoy musical expression in some way.

Dancing to music also happens to be one of the many fun activities for elderly individuals to enjoy indoors. These sessions can include group singing, dancing to popular music, or learning about different musical genres.

On top of the chance to have fun, dancing and listening to music can also help seniors loosen up and boost their mood. Seniors can improve their blood flow and flex muscles that otherwise might wither away.

7. Educational Lectures and Workshops

Educational lectures are a good opportunity for seniors to continue learning even when they're retired. These lectures can range from historical lessons to current events. Lifelong learners may want to attend these lessons to supplement whatever books or documentaries they're currently interested in.

Another reason seniors may want to attend education workshops is to share their own knowledge with one another. They can learn about new hobbies and meet other experts. It's a good way to socialize using a specialty or area of interest.

Try Out These Indoor Activities for Seniors

It's important to arrange at least some of these indoor activities for seniors during the hottest and coldest months of the year. Not every senior citizen can handle extreme temperatures, and it may even worsen their specific medical conditions. The right senior living community will always take into account each resident's limitations and interests.

Clay Gardens Place is a small, homelike senior living community located in Zanesville, Ohio. Our community aims to help residents thrive in both mind and body with 24-hour access to a full-time registered nurse.