Easy Winter Group Activities, Arthritis Hand Pain Tips for Older Adults, and the Risks of Ignoring Long-Term Care Planning

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Winter doesn’t have to mean staying home alone and hibernating. In fact, the colder months are ideal for low-effort gatherings that create routine, laughter, and something to look forward to. The activities below are designed for comfort, conversation, and flexibility — no long days or high energy required.

Choose a specific day and time (for example, Wednesdays at 2 p.m.) and rotate hosting. Pick one movie per week — classic films, comedies, or documentaries work well. Keep it simple: lights dimmed, subtitles on, and a short discussion afterward for anyone who wants to stay and chat.

Each person brings one item: soup, bread, or dessert. This keeps preparation manageable and avoids overcrowded kitchens. Many groups enjoy sharing the story behind their dish — where the recipe came from or who used to make it — which often becomes the highlight of the afternoon.

Set up one table with two or three familiar options (bridge, rummy, Scrabble, or dominoes). Let people play in short rounds so no one feels locked in. Keeping games open-ended encourages drop-in participation and casual conversation.

Choose a flat, familiar route — even just a few blocks — and walk together once or twice a week. Follow the outing with coffee or tea at someone’s home or a nearby café. The activity is less about distance and more about fresh air and shared routine.

Each person brings their own small, portable project: knitting, adult coloring, card-making, or photo sorting. The goal isn’t productivity — it’s companionship. Working with your hands often makes conversation flow more naturally.

Winter gatherings don’t need to be long or elaborate to be meaningful. Consistency and fellowship matter far more than perfect planning.

“The Market on 3rd Street”
From the life overview of Harold P., 89, Des Moines, IA. Shared with permission.

In the early 1960s, I lived three blocks from a little corner market on 3rd Street. It was the kind of place with flickering fluorescent lights and a bell on the door that rang whether you entered gently or not. The owner, Mr. Calder, was a wiry man with thick glasses and a habit of humming old swing tunes as he stocked the shelves. The store was cramped with narrow aisles, dusty cans stacked in uneven pyramids, and a produce section that always smelled faintly of celery. Nevertheless, it fit the neighborhood like an old shoe. I’d stop in almost every evening after work, sometimes just to wander the aisles and let the quiet settle after a long day.

One winter night, after a particularly heavy snowstorm, I trudged over to the market to buy some milk, unsure if it would even be open. The streets were nearly silent, and the drifts were high enough that I had to lift my knees like a parade marcher just to keep moving. But when I reached the door, the bell gave its familiar ring, and there was Mr. Calder standing behind the counter, brushing snow off a stack of newspapers he’d carried in himself. He looked up, grinned, and said, “Well, someone’s committed to dairy tonight.” We both chuckled, sharing the kind of laughter that comes more from mutual stubbornness than from anything truly funny.

Moments like that one, which carried small, unremarkable exchanges wrapped in the smell of old floorboards and overripe bananas, stuck with me more than grander memories ever did. That market wasn’t special in any obvious way, but for a handful of years, it was the warmest place in my entire world.

***

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A free streaming library of documentary films focused on American folk culture, work, craft, and regional traditions. The films are quietly observational and grounded in real people and practices. Each title includes brief background notes, making it easy to choose something and watch it straight through.

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Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Even a few sentences are a memory preserved for loved ones.

When grandchildren visit, phones, tablets, and TVs often come along for the ride. Parental controls help keep things age-appropriate without turning you into the “fun police.” You don’t need to understand everything—just a few settings can make a big difference.

If your grandchildren use your devices while visiting, start with built-in controls.

On iPhones or iPads:

On Android phones or tablets:
Family Link lets you limit apps, screen time, and content. It’s free and works well if your grandchild signs in with a Google account.

Streaming services:

If your grandchildren use the internet a lot while visiting, these tools add another layer of control.

YouTube Kids:
Designed for children, with adjustable age ranges and time limits.

Amazon Fire tablets:
Amazon Parent Dashboard lets you approve apps, set daily limits, and filter content.

Whole-home controls (Wi-Fi level):
Many internet providers and routers let you pause internet access or filter content for all devices at once. Examples:

You don’t need to lock everything down. A few basic controls can keep visits calm, safe, and age-appropriate—while still leaving plenty of time for games, snacks, and real-world fun.

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