02/06/2026
Winter can make it harder to stay active, but regular movement is one of the most important ways senior loved ones can protect their physical health, independence, and emotional well-being during the colder months. Even gentle, low-impact activity helps maintain strength, balance, joint mobility, while also reducing stiffness, supporting brain health, and lifting mood during shorter, darker days.
Staying active doesn’t mean braving icy sidewalks. Seniors can aim for about 150 minutes of moderate movement each week, broken into short, manageable sessions. Indoor walking in malls, community centres, or hallways offers a safe, even surface. Chair-based exercises like chair yoga can help build balance and strength with minimal fall risks. Light strength training using small weights a few times a week can also support muscle health.
Winter activity should always be paired with safety: dressing in layers, wearing non-slip footwear, walking during daylight, and keeping pathways clear of ice. By staying physically active throughout the winter, we also maintain mental wellness with daily activity, daylight exposure near windows, and simple mindfulness practices that can ease winter blues. Staying engaged through indoor programs, hobbies, and regular check-ins with loved ones helps combat isolation and keeps both body and mind active all season long.