Winter is well and truly here, which means rugging up and staying warm inside is most people’s default setting. However, the cooler weather also gives us the chance to make the most of bonding with friends, family and loved ones, while finding fun things to do in the warmth of indoors.
Activities such as board games and arts and crafts are not only fun and competitive, but provide many benefits such as improved memory and cognition, increased self-esteem and keeping social skills up to scratch. Here are some suggestions for how you can keep occupied this winter.
Rolling the dice
To keep your loved ones busy throughout the cooler days, playing board games is a great way to stay entertained while making the most of the educational benefits too. Games such as Scrabble, Bingo and Sudoku are educational, entertaining and enjoyable, but also an excellent way of practicing memory recognition. As we age, this is something which is important to continue to nurture. Bingo is one of the classics, and encourages socialisation while also maintaining hand-eye coordination. Plus, some of these games bring a sense of relaxation and enjoyment too, even if you don’t win every round.
Knit one, purl one
Knitting is a hobby which has stood the test of time, providing those who pick up knitting needles with the opportunity to make unique garments and keepsakes for loved ones and friends of the family. Knitting is a wonderful, gentle way to get our hands moving and it’s also extremely rewarding once the finished item is cast off and seen in its full glory. We love seeing what our residents come up with and their creations make for a special gift when family and friends visit.
Getting crafty
Arts and crafts are an opportunity for even the most artistically-challenged among us to explore their inner Andy Warhol. There are so many skills to choose from like painting and drawing, pottery and scrapbooking; it’s a lovely way for residents to have the creativity and freedom, uncovering passions and past connections while being in a relaxed and casual setting. We host weekly craft sessions where 10 or so members sit down and draw, cut, paint and design some outstanding mini works of art.
Visiting our Wellness centre and Hydrotherapy pool
Our Wellness Centre here at Karingal Green keeps our residents, occupied no matter how bad the weather may be outside. With the assistance from our health professionals to support rehabilitation and quality of life, our Hydrotherapy pool is a way to exercise, relax, enjoy a hydrotherapy session and a place to meet new friends. The pool benefits our residents to treat arthritis, rheumatism, poor circulation and sore muscles – a very popular activity within the home.
To find out more about Karingal Green, visit: https://www.karingalgreen.com.au/contact-us/