All-Season Indoor Fun: Seniors’ Guide to Stay Safe, Shine Through Any Texas Weather
Texas weather is an ever-changing shift of extremes, dancing through seasons with a flair uniquely its own.
As older adults sweat through another scorching hot summer, it’s easy to forget that winter’s chilly embrace isn’t far behind. In this blog, we’ll explore safety tips and indoor activities for seniors to shine and thrive through all kinds of Texas weather craziness.
Getting Ready for Texas Weather Swings
Given the Lone Star state’s susceptibility to intense temperatures, hurricanes and other storm conditions, homeowners, especially seniors, should take several precautions to stay safe during extreme weather. Here’s what you need to know:
Hurricane readiness: If you’re near the coast, be ready for hurricanes. Secure windows and outdoor items and raise electrical systems to avoid water damage. Have an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, flashlights, batteries and first aid supplies.
Storm safety: Trim trees to prevent branches from falling during storms. Reinforce your home’s structure and clear gutters to avoid water buildup.
Beat the heat: Hydrate, avoid peak sun hours and maintain a cool indoor environment during hot Texas summers. Ensure your AC works well.
Fire prevention: Create a safe area around your home by clearing dry plants and using fire-resistant materials.
Tornado-ready: Designate a safe room in your home, preferably a small, interior room with no windows or a basement.
Power outage plan: Stock nonperishables, water, batteries and flashlights. Consider a generator if possible.
Insurance check: Make sure your home insurance covers potential weather damage. Know your flood risk and consider flood insurance.
Emergency contacts: Have a list of local authorities, utilities and helpful neighbors.
Stay updated: Sign up for weather alerts and stay informed about changes.
At Longhorn Village, we think life should be a celebration of your passions, not a burden of chores. That’s why we tackle the ‘must-dos’ for all seasons, so our residents can soak up the ‘wanna-dos’ to live their best lives.
Here, there’s no need to batten down the hatches or worry about securing your home during a hurricane or other inclement weather. Our team manages all weather preparation and upkeep of our Steiner Ranch campus, including maintenance for residences and common areas, landscaping and trash removal. And with our dedicated security team and scheduled transportation, you’ll feel safe around the clock with access to anything you need.
Time to Play: Home Activities for Seniors
No matter the weather outside — be it rainy, snowy, sweltering or stormy — there are many fun indoor activities for adults to keep you engaged and entertained. Unpredictable weather becomes an opportunity for enriching experiences. Home activities for seniors can help you interact with others, grow your social circle, feed your curiosity, challenge and expand your mind, and live with meaning and purpose.
Dive into photography to capture the beauty of snowy landscapes or engage in virtual tours for armchair exploration. Browse an online library for literary treasures. Watch classic films or record your personal stories for loved ones. Explore new interests with online courses, and unlock your creativity through watercolor painting, sculpting or crafting. Beat the heat with homemade frozen treats, gather for board games or explore the world virtually. Find tranquility through mindfulness and meditation and pamper yourself with a calming spa day. Test your knowledge with online trivia and immerse yourself in the music world — by listening or playing instrument. Chronicle your memories with digital scrapbooks, try a new recipe and stay connected with loved ones through video calls.
For Longhorn Village seniors, there’s no rain (or snow) on their parade. They stay gold from hot to cold. Every day is a chance to explore fun indoor activities for adults. The options are endless, whether it’s playing poker, ping-pong, bingo or board games, attending movie and trivia nights with friends, or learning how to knit, flower design or play a stringed instrument. In addition, we offer lifelong learning for residents who are interested in educational programming.
Keep on the Move to Beat Bad-Weather Blues
Staying active knows no bounds, regardless of less-than-ideal weather outdoors. You can brighten rainy days with indoor brisk walks, seated flexibility exercises, stair climbing and even solo dance parties. Gentle yoga and tai chi routines can provide relaxation and balance. Snowy days offer opportunities for indoor exercises like leg lifts and seated cycling, while building a snowman can provide a light (and lighthearted) workout. Hot summer days call for pool-based water aerobics or cooling indoor yoga. During extreme heat, focus on gentle stretches, balance-enhancing one-legged stands and seated exercises. Severe storms call for resistance band strength training and gentle Pilates, while online senior-focused exercise videos can keep you moving.
At Longhorn Village, it’s easy to stay active when wild weather strikes, thanks to our wellness calendar of age-defying indoor activities for seniors. We fill our monthly lineup with heart-pounding workouts, muscle and endurance-boosting activities, flexibility and balance classes, and, of course, loads of fun. Residents move and groove with dance lessons, hit the pool for laps and water aerobics, practice mindful breathing through tai chi and strengthen their core with yoga.
Experience a Life Plan Community where there are no obstacles to what you want to accomplish — even when life’s barriers are weather-related. Learn more about Longhorn Village by calling 512.503.8288 or scheduling a visit.
Featured Image: Jeremy Hess, 2022