Winter’s arrival does not have to be a dull sentence for senior citizens living at home. It doesn’t matter if you’re stuck in a slump with your beloved one or simply looking for some new activities that can be added to the list there are plenty of options for seniors to get up and out of the house once temperatures drop. Take a look at this roundup of nine fun and affordable places to go for seniors this year. That’s only the beginning of it when it comes down to enriching the lives of family members –whether it’s spring, winter, or summer.
Explore Your Town
It’s a common joke among native New Yorkers: Most of them don’t even go to famous tourist spots like for instance, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. However, this isn’t just limited just to the Big Apple. In fact, townies and city dwellers alike confess to not seeing the sights in their backyards. Why not take a moment this winter to be a tourist with your aging loved one? There are many senior living options in Orange County that organize trips for seniors all around the US.
It doesn’t matter if you live in an area that is renowned like New York to find plenty of places to go and fun for seniors. Check out your local paper and flip to the Calendar section for a complete listing of events and activities sure to make you look at your home in a new way.
Browse at a Bookstore
Amazon has certainly changed the way we purchase magazines, yet there’s no alternative to the traditional old-fashioned experience of a bookstore. Take a trip to the local bookstore to peruse the shelves, browse the magazine stands, take part in reading by an author, or even — just one of many options to improve the quality of your senior visits.
Visit a Museum
Museums aren’t just great spots in the event of bad weather, they also provide fantastic learning opportunities for seniors. Although many museums are open for free, however, some offer specials for seniors — which range from free admission days to massively discounted admissions. Do your research in advance to find out where to visit and when. (Don’t see a senior rate? Ask. Some organizations do not advertise their senior discount programs.)
Also, be sure to consider your loved one’s preferences when choosing the place to go. For instance, a lifetime hoops lover will look forward to a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame, or an admirer of Impressionism would likely prefer visiting the art gallery.
If your aging loved one is a Bank of America cardholder, they can also participate in their unique Museums on Us program, which offers free admission to more than 150 museums that are participating on the first weekend of each month. You can also sign up to receive reminders via text message about the weekends that are eligible!
Head to the Local Bingo Parlor
Who doesn’t want to experience the thrill of yelling “Bingo”? Many churches, senior centers, and community centers organize bingo events for senior citizens. Are you unsure of where to find the nearest bingo hall? Call your nearest Chamber of Commerce or use this Bingo Locator tool, which has a database of over a thousand bingo halls throughout the US as well as Canada.
There are many fun and enjoyable places to retire that require you to leave home. Consider hosting your own bingo night for your friends or your family. This is also a wonderful opportunity to encourage multigenerational fun that both the youngsters and old at heart enjoy playing together. Furthermore, it’s a dependable solution to end boredom for seniors while enjoying your time together as a whole.
Take a Step Back in Time
Many senior citizens have fond memories of the meals of their younger years. And while they may not be as prevalent as they used to be but you can still find an old-fashioned diner, drive-in, or go out for lunch, with a touch of nostalgia.
Take a different method of inviting your senior family member to join with the latest fashions by inviting them to join you on an evening meal at a food truck that is well-known.
Celebrate Summer in the Winter
Winter cold makes many of us yearn for the wonderful feeling of summer. Caregivers can offer seniors a taste of the warm weather to come by arranging a day 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 one will relish the joy of an unexpected “moment in the sun.”
Go Antiques Shopping
The process of browsing through antique shops is like going on treasure hunting there’s no way to tell when you’ll find an item that’s truly extraordinary. If your loved one who is aging is a collector of something like Depression glass or Fiestaware they’ll enjoy finding the perfect item that can be added to his collection. If not, with a bit of time and opening your mind, who knows what fascinating things you’ll discover? Don’t miss this great opportunity to talk about your past and share stories as well!