Staying mentally and physically active in winter months

Of course, staying active in the warmer months is easier than in the colder months. Outdoor activities are harder to come by and sometimes are not as safe due to low temperatures and slippery conditions. Yet research shows that physical and mental activity is important to overall health, benefiting everyone from children to seniors living independently. In fact, a recent study revealed that physical inactivity poses a larger problem to one’s health than previous studies indicated. The research, led by the University of Sydney in Australia, examined more than 200,000 adults, middle-aged or older. The researchers found that adults who replaced one hour of sitting with one hour of standing or light activity per day saw increased benefits to their overall health.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that adults exercise 150 minutes per week. Weekly walking or exercise does not have to be confined to 60-minute sessions. Adults who break their weekly exercise up into smaller intervals also see health benefits.

Staying active in winter is possible with some creative and resourceful thinking! Here are indoor and outdoor activities to support your active lifestyle in the winter months:

For a healthy life, adults should exercise 150 minutes per week even in winter.

Indoors

• Bowling is a pleasant and exciting sport for all ages. Join a senior bowling league at your local bowling alley or make it a family outing with your children and grandchildren! According to NPR, seniors are also trying out virtual bowling through the video gaming systems Wii and Xbox Kinect. Virtual bowling is an active game and mimics classic bowling but does not require special shoes or a heavy ball, making it an excellent choice for an indoor activity.
• Continuing education classes are available at most senior community centers or community colleges. The subjects are limitless, ranging from foreign languages to learning a new computer program. Another benefit of enrolling in a continuing education course is the opportunity to meet and socialize with classmates.
• Dancing is fun and effective alone or in group settings. Check your local community center for dance nights or weekly classes. The Livestrong Foundation said that dancing is a great form of exercise because it can match all levels and paces. Be sure to wear shoes that have a non-slip sole and provide ankle support for fall prevention.
• Fixing up a room in your home – sprucing up a room, whether by painting the walls a new color or by re-arranging the furniture, is a surprisingly good source of exercise that also results in a fresh new look!
• Art such as pottery and painting are pleasant ways to stay active while having fun. Creating art has been shown to improve overall health, stimulate cognitive ability and foster socialization.
• Shopping at a mall, even if you do not plan to buy anything, is a great source of exercise, according to Carefect Home Health Care Services. Invite a friend to join you to make it more fun.
• YMCA centers or similar fitness centers are ideal for traditional exercise. Most facilities have indoor tracks, gyms and swimming pools for a multitude of aerobic and strength-building options. Some gyms may even have senior-centric programming.
• Yoga is an ideal winter activity – you can do it indoors, at your own pace, regardless of the weather conditions. Online videos can help lead you through the various stretches, or you can join a local class.

Outdoors

• Holiday markets and fairs are a festive way to celebrate the winter months. Walking around to see all of the different vendors and events will keep you moving. Check your neighborhood newspaper or website for winter festivals in your community. And of course, bundle up in cozy outerwear and safe winter shoes or boots before heading outside to celebrate the spirit of the season.
• Ice fishing is an opportunity to take a summer hobby into winter. Remember to review the respective safety guidelines before getting out onto the ice!
• Ice skating either at an indoor arena or outdoors on a cleared patch of lake, can be a fantastic a form of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ice skating is easy on the joints, which makes it an excellent exercise for all ages.
• Snow ball battles, building snowmen and creating snow forts are fun outdoor activities to do with friends or your grandchildren, and you do not even have to leave your yard! You could even get creative with your snowman and make it resemble a famous person or deck it out for your favorite sports team.
• Volunteering is a rewarding way to spend time throughout the year. In winter, there are often soup kitchens and clothing drives to benefit those in need in your community. They typically last a few hours, so you will be on your feet getting exercise while helping. Again, make sure to prepare appropriately if your volunteer time involves spending time outdoors.

Before engaging in any winter activity, meet with your physician for more information about safety and senior-friendly guidelines.