Active Aging

Preparing healthier holiday treats such as sugarplums, pecan pie bars, chocolate-pistachio orange slices, carrot muffins, peppermint ice cream, dark chocolate Christmas trees, and apple cranberry crisp can enhance cognitive function and provide a sense of fulfillment during the festive season.

Public Health Seattle-King County is advising seniors to maintain activity levels during winter through creative pursuits such as indoor gardening, puzzles, language learning, art projects, movie marathons, cooking, volunteering, and historical document transcription.

This report outlines five cost-effective gift options for the holiday season, such as baked goods, mason jar recipes, handwritten letters, photo books, and homemade candles, along with a selection of plants that serve as excellent holiday gifts.

Holiday meals can have high calorie counts, but there are ways to enjoy them while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced snack beforehand, eating slowly, and incorporating fitness activities like walking, shopping, skiing, and ice skating.

Public Health Seattle-King County is hosting an Active Aging event to promote health insurance and access to health care for the Black community, and encourages everyone to visit their website for health insurance and COVID-19 testing locations.

Active aging is a great way to stay active and engaged while exploring new hobbies, and the holiday season is the perfect time to start new skills such as embroidery, baking, calligraphy, woodworking, and singing, which can help delay cognitive decline and improve memory.

Pickleball is a high-energy sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, and is played with a paddle and Wiffle ball on a court with a net, and is excellent for players of all ages and abilities.

Public Health Seattle-King County encourages seniors 55+ to explore local arts, culture, and historical landmarks in the autumn season and beyond, with options including attending festivals, joining book clubs, visiting museums, joining a community theater, taking an art or music class, and volunteering or hosting a workshop.

Fidget spinners, small metal or plastic objects that fit in the palm of your hand, are a great tool for seniors with dementia to occupy their hands, calm their minds, and redirect attention, and can be found in every color and pattern imaginable.

Public Health Seattle-King County has provided a list of healthy fall recipes that incorporate protein, vitamins, and minerals to keep you vibrant for years to come.