Staying active and engaged is important for people of all ages, especially older adults. In fact, research suggests that staying active can help boost both physical and mental wellness. However, as we get older, it’s natural for our bodies to lose some of the athleticism that allowed us to take part in the outdoor activities we once knew and loved. But, that doesn’t mean staying indoors has to be boring. Whether you’re at home or in a senior living community, here are 25 fun and rewarding indoor activities for seniors to enjoy!
Benefits Of Indoor Activities For Seniors
Indoor activities can be a great way to enrich yourself or share quality time with friends and family. Moreover, these fun activities can also have a number of key health and wellness benefits for seniors, including:
- Lower stress levels
- Better sleep
- Emotional well-being
- Improved strength and flexibility
- Reduced risk of cognitive decline
- Better cardiovascular health
1. Read Books And Magazines
Reading can be one of the most fulfilling indoor activities for seniors. Not only is reading a great opportunity to learn more about fresh and interesting topics, it also helps keep your brain active and engaged, enhances memory and boosts cognitive skills! Whether you’re into novels, magazines or non-fiction work, there’s always something interesting waiting for you.
If you’re just getting started, you can borrow books from your local library or download a free eBook from Open Library.
2. Play Card Games
Card games can be a fun way to bond with family and friends. Not only is it a great way to spend time with loved ones, it also comes with great cognitive benefits too, like helping to enhance your memory and concentration.
If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. Websites like Bicycle Cards and Playing Card Decks provide game rules and tips. You can also find card game apps on smartphones and tablets.
3. Arts And Crafts
Looking for fun, rewarding and inexpensive indoor activities for seniors? Creating arts and crafts can be a great way to exercise self-expression and creativity.
Additionally, creating crafts can help improve your concentration and fine motor skills. Websites like Etsy stock DIY arts and craft kits for seniors looking to get started.
4. Indoor Gardening
If you’re into nature and are looking for interesting activities at home, you may consider indoor gardening. Tending to your plants and decorating your plant pots can be a source of joy, relaxation and sense of accomplishment. We found this guide from Park Seed helpful if you’re new to indoor gardening.
5. Watch Classic Movies
Watching movies can be a great way to share quality time with family and friends or even enjoy some alone time. Whether you’re into funny, relaxing, heartwarming or documentary films, it’s hard to run out of great options.
Check your local library for some classic DVDs, or consider subscribing to streaming services, like Netflix and Hulu, which offer a treasure trove of classic films, documentaries and comedy specials.
6. Try A New Recipe
Looking for fun and enriching activities to try? Try sharpening your culinary skills by exploring new flavors and techniques. Learning a new recipe can feel incredibly rewarding, and can help you add more healthy dishes to your diet. Websites like YouTube and Food Network offer a wide variety of flavorful and interesting recipes for you to enjoy.
7. Do Chair Exercises
Physical exercise has been shown to have several great benefits for both mind and body. If you’re looking for low-impact indoor activities for seniors, chair exercises can offer a great option. These exercises focus on gentle, fluid movements to help you stay active. Chair exercises can also be a great way to stay fit for people with mobility issues. You can try out these fun chair exercises for seniors by GoodRx.
8. Play Board Games
If you’re looking for fun and rewarding activities for seniors at home, board games can be a great option. They are a great way to unwind or relieve stress, and they’re also good for your brain! Whether you’re into classics like Scrabble or newer games like Settlers of Catan, there’s a game for every taste.
To get started, you can find board games at local stores, or you can explore online resources like Tabletopia, where you can play board games virtually with friends and family.
9. Solve Puzzles
Keeping your mind active and engaged has been shown to boost problem-solving skills and slow down cognitive decline among seniors. If you’re looking for activities at home, you may consider solving puzzles. You can start with traditional jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles or Sudoku, which you’ll find in newspapers or puzzle books.
If you’re interested in a more tech-savvy approach, websites like JigZone, Crossword Hobbyist and Lumosity offer a great selection for you to enjoy.
10. Take Virtual Tours
Virtual tours can be a great way to explore new and interesting places from the comfort of home. These experiences offer a window to far-off places, historical sites and cultural wonders. Whether it’s strolling through the Louvre in Paris or exploring the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, you can embark on wonderful and exciting adventures from indoors!
You can find a wide variety of virtual tours on websites like Google Arts & Culture, which offers immersive tours of museums and famous landmarks. Another great resource is exploring YouTube for virtual city walks and historical documentaries.
11. Learn A New Language Online
Even if you don’t plan to relocate or travel the world, learning a new language can be fun and exciting. It opens up doors to new cultures and friendships, and it can also help boost your cognitive abilities.
If you’re looking to learn a new language, there are a wide range of resources available online. You can use language-learning apps like Duolingo or Babbel, join online classes or access YouTube channels and podcasts that cater to language learners.
12. Knitting And Crocheting
Knitting and crocheting are timeless crafts that can feel incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Creating warm, handmade sweaters, blankets and scarves for yourself or others can provide a great way to keep your mind sharp, help combat stress and foster a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
If you’re new to this craft, don’t worry! There are numerous resources available, from online tutorials on YouTube to local knitting clubs, where you can learn from experienced crafters and join the community.
13. Listen To Podcasts
Looking to stay engaged, informed and entertained? Try listening to podcasts. With thousands of options to choose from, you’re sure to find a podcast that piques your interest. You can find a wide array of podcasts on popular platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
14. Do Genealogy Research
If you’re a curious mind looking for exciting indoor activities for seniors, researching your family tree could be right up your alley. Through genealogy research, you can discover fascinating stories, traditions and even long-lost relatives!
To get started, consider online resources like Ancestry.com. Local libraries and historical societies also can be goldmines for information. Also, talk to family members for their oral history — they’re a priceless source of knowledge.
15. Check On Family And Friends
Connecting with loved ones can be one of the most heartful activities for seniors at home. From phone calls to video chats and social media, there are a lot of ways to share stories, fun and laughter with friends and family. Apps like WhatsApp and iMessage can offer a quick and convenient way to connect with loved ones in real-time.
16. Write A Blog
If you’re seeking fresh activities for seniors at home, why not start a blog? Blogging can be a great creative outlet to share your experiences, knowledge and passion with a like-minded audience.
To start blogging, check out Platforms like WordPress and Blogger. Choose a topic you’re passionate about — it could be travel, cooking, memories or even your reflections on life. Share your stories, and don’t forget to add some photos to make it visually engaging.
17. Animal Interaction
If you’re running out of indoor activities to fill your free time, you may consider adopting a pet. Research suggests that having a pet friend can help seniors combat the effects of loneliness and boost overall emotional wellness.
If you’re looking to adopt a furry friend, online resources like Petfinder can help you find local animal shelters, while virtual pet apps like My Talking Tom offer a fun way to interact with a virtual pet.
18. Coloring
If you’re looking for fun and rewarding indoor activities for seniors, coloring can offer a great option. To get started, you can find coloring books that are designed specifically for adults at local bookstores or online retailers. Coloring books often feature a variety of themes, from nature and travel to fractals and mandalas.
19. Learn A New Instrument
If you wanted to be a famous recording artist as a child or just have a passion for music, learning a new instrument can be a perfect pastime activity for you. The learning process can provide a sense of accomplishment while also offering a host of cognitive, emotional and physical benefits. Online tutorials, music apps and even local community centers offer lessons.
20. Organize And Decorate Family Photos
You can put your free time to great use by taking a trip down memory lane. Organizing and decorating photos of loved ones is a delightful and heartwarming activity for you to enjoy. To make it even more fun, you can invite other family members to join for a wonderful bonding session. All you need are some photo albums, frames, maybe some string lights and a little imagination!
21. Host A Family Party
Family parties are more than social gatherings; they’re wonderful, heartwarming occasions that bring generations together to create lasting memories. So, why not invite your family members and share stories, love and laughter? To get started, you can plan a small family gathering centered around favorite meals, games or even storytelling. You can also use resources like family photo albums and old board games to add an extra touch of nostalgia.
22. Make A Playlist
If you’re a music lover, curating your favorite tunes into a single playlist can be an enjoyable way to pass time indoors. To make a playlist of your favorite tunes, you can use music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music.
They offer an immense library of songs and user-friendly playlist creation tools. You can also share it with loved ones for an even more meaningful connection through the magic of music.
23. Shop Online
If you like to shop, online shopping can be a delightful and convenient indoor activity. Whether you’re looking for books, gifts or groceries, online stores allow you to browse, discover and shop for everything you need from the comfort of home. Some stores even offer same-day shipping, depending on your location.
To get started, you can explore user-friendly websites like Amazon or Walmart for a wide variety of products. For groceries, try Instacart or your local supermarket’s online store.
24. Practice Mindfulness And Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation have been known to reduce stress, improve focus, boost emotional well-being and even aid in better sleep. If you’re looking for meaningful indoor activities for seniors, this one certainly checks the box!
There are plenty of apps and online resources, like Headspace, Calm and Insight Timer that offer guided meditations specifically designed for seniors.
25. Learn Social Media
If you’re looking for fresh indoor activities for seniors, you may consider embracing the digital age by learning to use a social media platform. Social media can be a great way to access information and entertainment, as well as connect with friends and family with the tap of a button.
To get started on a social media platform, you can visit the platform’s “Get Started” page, which typically offers instructions and tips to help you get started.
Senior Living With StoryPoint Group
You can be sure you’ll be engaged indoors at any of our StoryPoint Group communities. We offer a wide variety of life enrichment programming because we believe your golden years should be fun and relaxed. Our vibrant senior communities are focused on our residents’ needs — providing a supportive environment to help our residents make the most of each day. If you think you or a loved one could benefit from a senior living community, we’re here to help. To learn what life is like with us, schedule a tour of your nearest community or call us today at 1-844-403-6569.
