Winter Activities for Seniors in Maine

Fun winter activities for seniors may seem few and far between during this chilly season in Maine, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! There are so many creative and stimulating things you can do to stay busy and have a great time, from outdoor nature hikes to diving into a new craft project. We’ve put together some of our favorite winter activities for you to enjoy!

1. Cook Hearty Recipes

From slow cooker recipes to healthy wholesome soups, nothing is more comforting than a hearty, cozy meal to warm you up on a chilly winter day. There are endless cold-weather meals that are both nourishing and wholesome, so you don’t have to choose between delicious and healthy. You may even look forward to those brisk days after all!

2. Enjoy Outdoor Recreation

For nicer days or for those who simply don’t mind a little cold weather, Maine outdoor recreation is just as beautiful in the winter as it is during the summer. The hiking trails are quiet and peaceful (albeit a little slippery), both downhill and cross-country skiing are abundant, there is no shortage of frozen ponds for ice fishing or skating, and you can snowshoe just about anywhere! At Cumberland Crossing, we look to our ‘backyard’ at the Val Halla golf course for a great session of snowshoeing.

3. Try a New Indoor Exercise

Physical activity, whether indoors or outside, can improve your sleep, boost your mood, reduce cognitive deficiencies, and help with balance and flexibility. For days where it’s simply too cold to exercise outside, take the opportunity to try an old favorite (or even new!) indoor exercise routine. Pilates, yoga, strength training, and swimming are all great indoor options that can help you maintain an active lifestyle!

4. Take a Local Winter Getaway

For those of us who are lucky enough to live in Maine already, indulge in a “staycation” at one of our state’s many gorgeous spots. If you don’t live in Maine just yet, there is no better time to visit! Fall in love with winter in Vacationland with one of these weekend getaways:

Portland – Just a few miles from our community at Cumberland Crossing, this coastal city brings just as much charm in the winter as it does during its iconic summers! There is so much to enjoy, from museums, art and music to distilleries, breweries and restaurants. The views aren’t too bad, either!

Rangeley – Notorious for being breathtakingly beautiful in the fall, it really can’t be beat during the winter months, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities! Explore the cross-country ski trails around the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center, hit the downhill slopes at Sugarloaf or Saddleback Mountain, and enjoy some of the best ice fishing in the region.

Kennebunkport – The incredible beauty of seaside Kennebunkport is a can’t miss weekend getaway, even in the chillier season. Shop the chic boutiques and enjoy a delicious meal in town, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, take advantage of the local trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, and enjoy the shoreline!

Camden – An obvious choice for summer, Camden in the winter offers even more fun with experiences like ice sculpting and skiing with views of the Atlantic Ocean at the Camden Snow Bowl. It even hosts the annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships each February!

5. Get Creative

Diving into a creative craft project is one of the best ways to spend a winter day, especially when the weather is less than ideal to be outside. Projects can be engaging both mentally and physically, adding to the benefits of exploring fun crafts. Some fun ways to get creative indoors could include:

Scrapbooking or collaging
Baking
Embroidering, crocheting or quilting
Adult coloring
Decorating your front porch or entry
Homemade greeting cards
Painting or drawing

Cumberland Crossing by OceanView

Cumberland Crossing by OceanView is active senior living for the 21st century! Located in picturesque Southern Maine, our community offers the comfort of home without the stress or worry of homeownership. With two customizable cottage floor plans to choose from and an inclusive monthly maintenance plan, simply enjoy your hard-earned retirement years!