As winter settles into Skillman, New Jersey, the shorter days and colder temperatures can make it tempting to stay indoors. But winter also offers unique opportunities for seniors to remain active, engaged, and connected.
Whether you’re interested in indoor winter activities for seniors or prefer the outdoors, the Skillman area and Stonebridge at Montgomery offer a wide range of ways to stay social, healthy, and uplifted while avoiding the winter blues.
Winter Wellness at Stonebridge at Montgomery
At Stonebridge at Montgomery, winter is a season of possibility. Through Springpoint’s award-winning multidimensional LivWell program, residents enjoy wellness opportunities that support every area of life, including physical, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, intellectual, and environmental. This whole-person approach to wellness ensures that the winter months are filled with meaningful engagement and purposeful living.
From strength-training classes and walking groups to mindfulness sessions and personal wellness plans, every resident can find activities that suit their preferences and goals. Whether you’re just beginning your wellness journey or already active, LivWell makes it easy to stay motivated throughout the winter season.
Indoor Winter Activities for Seniors
When the weather outside is less than inviting, Stonebridge at Montgomery and the surrounding Skillman and Princeton areas offer plenty of enjoyable ways to stay warm while keeping your social calendar full. Discover some new ideas below for staying occupied during the winter.
Creative Pursuits and New Hobbies
Try new hobbies or revisit favorite pastimes with activities such as:
- Art classes and workshops at Stonebridge at Montgomery or local community centers
- Book clubs and discussion groups, including events at the Princeton Public Library
- Crafting circles for knitting, quilting, and needlework
- Musical performances, either by sharing your own talents or enjoying local concerts
- Participate in seasonal cooking classes or start a class with your friends
These creative indoor winter activities for seniors not only boost mental engagement but also create opportunities for meaningful social connections during the colder months.
Staying Active Indoors
Winter doesn’t have to slow your fitness goals. Popular indoor activities include:
- Water aerobics and swimming at indoor pools
- Yoga, tai chi, and other balance-focused exercises
- Strength training and resistance workouts
- Indoor walking routes, such as hallways or local malls
- Dance classes, including ballroom, line dancing, and chair-based options
Many of these activities are available through our LivWell program, guided by staff who understand residents’ individual needs.
Explore Local Community Offerings
If you want a change of scenery without facing the cold, nearby Princeton offers wonderful indoor experiences, including:
- Morven Museum & Garden: Don’t miss the annual Festival of Trees, a beloved winter tradition that runs through early January. Located inside the historic mansion, the museum’s beautifully decorated holiday trees and mantels create a magical experience for every visitor.
- Princeton Public Library: Enjoy regularly scheduled events for visitors of all ages, including author talks, book groups, lectures, workshops, and more. Experience the warmth and comfort of the library as you socialize and learn something new.
- Princeton University Campus: Explore the beautiful interiors of this historic campus founded in 1746, or attend weekly organ concerts at the Princeton University Chapel for a warm, relaxing experience.
- Drumthwacket: Tour the interior of the official residence of the Governor of New Jersey, and weather permitting, stroll through the grounds and gardens outside afterward, too.
Outdoor Winter Activities for Seniors
Fresh air and movement are powerful mood boosters during winter. Skillman and the surrounding towns offer scenic, accessible options for outdoor winter activities for seniors.
Local Parks and Nature Areas
There is an abundance of parks and areas to explore nature nearby, even when the temperature starts to drop:
- Skillman Park: This well-maintained park features paved pathways and flat terrain, perfect for winter walks. The beautiful scenery provides a peaceful setting, and multiple benches along the trails offer rest stops, making it ideal for pacing yourself.
- D&R Canal State Park: The flat, level trails along the Delaware and Raritan Canal offer excellent opportunities for winter walking and biking. The scenic route provides a peaceful escape with historic canal locks and serene water views.
- Sourland Mountain Preserve: For those seeking more adventure, this nature preserve offers trails through beautiful winter landscapes. The varied terrain provides varying difficulty levels, and the winter views are unlike any other.
Birdwatching is especially rewarding this time of year, as bare branches make wintering bird species easier to spot. Enjoy the quiet, meditative experience, or join a local nature group for guided walks if you want a more social element.
Winter Safety Tips
Before heading out, remember these tips to safely enjoy these outdoor winter activities for seniors:
- Dress in layers to regulate body temperature
- Wear proper footwear with good traction to prevent slips
- Walk during midday hours when temperatures are warmest, and visibility is best
- Use walking sticks for added stability
- Stay hydrated even in cold weather
- Walk with a friend or group for safety and social connection
Explore Nearby Towns
Prefer a casual outing instead of a nature hike? No problem. There’s plenty to enjoy in the areas surrounding Stonebridge at Montgomery.
- Visit downtown Princeton for browsing unique shops, then warm up with a coffee or hot chocolate at one of the area’s cozy restaurants and cafes.
- Stroll through Palmer Square to enjoy Princeton’s many winter decorations and boutique shops.
- Explore regional arboretums like the Frelinghuysen Arboretum or Reeves-Reed Arboretum for peaceful winter gardens and outdoor spaces.
Combating the Winter Blues
Many people experience the winter blues due to decreased daylight and colder weather. Staying active and socially engaged is one of the best ways to protect your physical and emotional well-being.
Stay Social
Social connections play a powerful role in overall health. You can stay connected by:
- Attending community events regularly
- Joining clubs or interest groups
- Volunteering for causes you care about
- Scheduling regular video calls with family and friends
- Participating in group fitness classes
Stonebridge at Montgomery makes socializing easy with shared meals, group programs, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Boost Your Mood
Limited daylight during winter can affect everyone’s mood and energy levels. To counter the winter blues as it gets darker, try:
- Going outside during sunny midday hours
- Keeping the inside living spaces bright and well-lit
- Sitting near windows during indoor activities
- Taking vitamin D if recommended by your healthcare provider
Find Routine and Purpose
Maintaining structure helps keep energy and spirits high during the long winter months. Consider:
- Keeping a regular sleep schedule to support overall health
- Planning weekly activities to look forward to
- Setting seasonal goals related to hobbies, fitness, or learning
- Practicing gratitude through journaling or reflection
LivWell supports these wellness habits year-round, helping residents feel grounded and purposeful even during the darkest winter days.
Embrace Winter’s Possibilities
Winter in Skillman doesn’t have to mean slowing down. With a bit of planning and the support of programs like LivWell, seniors can enjoy a season filled with growth, connection, and joy.
From creative indoor hobbies to peaceful nature walks and cultural outings, there are countless ways to stay active and engaged. At Stonebridge at Montgomery, seniors have everything they need not just to endure winter, but to truly embrace it.
Ready to explore a community that helps you make the most of every season? Contact Stonebridge at Montgomery today to learn more, schedule a tour, and discover how our winter activities for seniors can enrich your life.
