Outdoor winter activities in Lafayette, IN that seniors can do include scenic walks, birdwatching, photography sessions, hot cocoa and bonfire gatherings, and gentle snow games and activities. Many of these activities can be done in the comfort of a senior living community or out in the city's wonderful settings.
Winter is rarely a favorite season for people, aside from the fact that we get holiday festivities during this season. Not only do the temperatures drop, but the amount of sunlight we get decreases too, which can make things bleak.
These seasonal changes can cause people to huddle up inside, safe from the poor outside weather. But staying indoors for an entire season isn't good for your health.
Look on the bright side, though; there's still beautiful sunshine and fresh air, meaning there are many outdoor winter activities to enjoy, especially in Lafayette, IN. So you should still take advantage of these things, even when it's suboptimal outside!
This post will discuss what the winters are like here and what you can do to stay active in both body and mind.
According to Weather Spark, the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy in Lafayette, IN. The cold season lasts from December 1st to March 1st, and the average daily temperature is below 44 degrees.
The coldest month is January. During this period, the average low is 21 degrees, and the average high is 35 degrees.
As you can see, it can be quite chilly in this city during winter, especially since the snowy period lasts from November 24th to March 27th. You'll get the most snowfall in January, when there's an average snowfall of 3.8 inches.
Weather Spark says that from December to March, you'll only get around 10 hours of sunlight per day. This, plus the cold weather, can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Even if you're not affected, you still may experience a dip in mood and energy.
So be proactive about your wintertime wellness. Explore these outdoor winter activities!
Scenic walks are always a good idea, as they're not very demanding, yet allow you to stretch your legs and get the blood flowing. Even a walk around the neighborhoods surrounding your assisted living community can be beneficial, and the views are nice too.
If you want to venture out further, then go to Columbian Park. It becomes a beautiful winter wonderland that's peaceful to go through.
To have safe outdoor walks, do the following:
One of the best Lafayette senior activities to do all year long is to birdwatch. What's great about Indiana is that there are numerous backyard birds, so you don't have to go far to spot wildlife. If you can motivate yourself to bundle up, grab a hot cup of coffee or tea, and go outside, you can sit and watch these cute creatures for hours.
Another option is to take a drive out to the Celery Bog Nature Area in nearby West Lafayette. The ponds partially freeze, and flocks of ducks, geese, and other migratory birds gather. Bring your binoculars and guidebooks, and you'll have a blast identifying the birds you see!
Winter completely transforms Lafayette, and you should capture the beauty you find in it. Photography is excellent in terms of outdoor engagement for seniors, and it allows you to appreciate the details of the city's winter landscapes.
Whether you stay within the neighborhoods around your community or go on a proper winter photography outing in nearby scenic spots (such as Munger Park or Prophetstown State Park), there will be lots for you to snap with your camera!
If you're looking for seasonal routines in retirement, then an outstanding one for winter is having hot cocoa and gathering by a bonfire. Not only can you keep warm while outside, but it also creates a natural space for connection in a community.
Just make sure that the fire's monitored at all times and that there are warm blankets for everyone to get under. The seating should have proper back support too.
Why not take advantage of the snow while it's here? Gentle snow games and activities can encourage movement, as well as much-appreciated laughter.
You and other older adults can:
There are both outdoor and indoor hobbies you can do in the winter in Lafayette, IN that can keep your mind and body active and bright. Outside, you can:
Indoor hobbies you can fill your time with include:
The most popular winter activity for Lafayette seniors is definitely social gatherings. The dreadful weather can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness, so being proactive about social activity is key.
A few popular winter activities include:
Naturally, you'll be resistant to going outside when it's freezing, snowy, and windy, and you're inside, bundled up in warmth and coziness. But it's important to get some fresh air and outdoor activity from time to time!
To motivate yourself, here are some suggestions:
When the seasons change, it can be disheartening to see the temperatures drop and the sun go away. But it doesn't have to be a drag during winter.
With this list of outdoor winter activities, you and other seniors can make the best of this season. And before you know it, it'll be spring again!
To learn more about assisted living in Lafayette, IN, get in touch with us now. Digby Place Assisted Living offers our residents weekly housekeeping and laundry services so they don't have to worry about mundane chores.