Winters in Ann Arbor can be stressful and isolating for older people. Snow, ice and stiffness due to cold weather can increase their risk of falling, which can make them understandably anxious about going out of the house. To continue thriving during the colder months, many seniors need a little help from day to day.
The good news is that our local community more than makes up for the winter weather. With fun and engaging indoor activities, unique spots to relax and connect and services that help clear out snow and ice, Ann Arbor has plenty of resources to make the winter months manageable—and even fun, helping to create peace of mind for seniors.
Winter Resources to Build Peace of Mind for Seniors in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor has plenty of ways to make the winter feel warmer for seniors. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Warm Up and Chill Out
When the mercury dips low, there’s nowhere better to warm up and chill out than a cozy beverage and snack. We like RoosRoast Coffee, where you’ll find art installations to check out and live performances to enjoy.
RoosRoast owes its eclectic, laid-back vibe to owner and operator John Roos, a lifelong Ann Arbor native. This multihyphenate entrepreneur-artist-poet-chef-coffee roaster has been putting guests at ease with his signature hang-loose charms since he opened the shop in 2005. Roos might be a lovable goofball, but he’s dead serious about doing right by the community, serving the environment and roasting the best coffee beans this side of Lake Erie.
If your loved one is an art lover, a former hippie or just a fan of good coffee, RoosRoast might just be their new favorite spot to relax.
- Find Them Indoor Activities
Cold weather, snow and ice can be serious barriers that make it harder for seniors to stay active and engaged. That’s why it’s more important to find fun and interesting activities for them to enjoy during the winter than it is any other time of year.
If a senior in your life needs a chance to do something fun and connect with others this winter, the Ann Arbor Senior Center has got them covered. Every weekday, they host a variety of programs like exercise classes, interest clubs and social events.
Want to make exercise something your loved one looks forward to? Their line dancing classes use vigorous movement as a source of joy and an opportunity to connect with others. For a more relaxed experience, their tai chi lessons use slow, deliberate movements to create a sense of meditative calm. Both are fantastic ways to improve strength, balance and coordination, so there’s no wrong choice.
If a senior you know needs mental stimulation, encourage them to attend one of the Senior Center’s board game clubs. Their Scrabble game on Wednesday is a great way to have a little fun and meet people. If they have a competitive streak, though, direct them to the bridge club. They host multiple sessions throughout the week for players at every level, from beginner lessons on Tuesdays to formalized competitive play on Thursdays.
- Get Them Help With the Snow
The sheer volume of snow we get in Ann Arbor is hard to keep up with for people of any age…and it can actually be dangerous for older people. Shoveling snow in slippery conditions puts seniors at risk of falling, and the intense physical exertion involved makes it one of the most common heart attack triggers.
Help your loved one feel more confident about getting out of the house in the winter while also removing their temptation to shovel the snow on their own. Get a local snow shoveling service, and make sure they have a residential team so your loved one won’t need to wait for a service that prioritizes businesses. We recommend Good Guys Lawn & Landscape.
If finances are a barrier to getting your loved one help with the snow, check out the city’s Snow Match program, which connects seniors with local show-shoveling volunteers who can help them.
Find Winter Help for Seniors in Ann Arbor
Snow and ice can make it hard for older people to get out of the house, connect with people and stay engaged in life. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to make winters in Ann Arbor feel a little warmer.
If your loved one needs a little extra help with daily living this winter, FirstLight Home Care of Ann Arbor is here for them. In addition to helping with daily essentials, our reliable caregivers offer seniors a trusted companion they can always lean on for support—sometimes literally.
Ready to see how we can help make winter easier for your loved one? Contact us today.
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