It’s winter and your options for activities are limited. But that doesn’t mean you should stay inside watching TV until birds start chirping again. There’s plenty of indoor activities for seniors in Kalispell.

You may have tried one of these activities years ago, or maybe there’s something on this list you’ve never done before. Either way, why not give it a shot? Snag a significant other or friend to join you, and choose a day over the next few weeks to get out of the house. You’ll be glad you did.

What to Do Indoors in Kalispell

Here are some of our residents’ favorite indoor activities in Kalispell:

Hockaday Museum of Art

Art lovers, where are you? This one is perfect for you. If you’ve never been, you’re missing out! It’s home to numerous works of art by Montana artists, both current and historic. Plus, it’s housed in a stately Carnegie Library building, which is sure to impress.

Conrad Mansion Museum

We’ve recommended Conrad Mansion before, and for good reason. This home is one of the staples of Kalispell and is central to our town’s history. After all, Kalispell’s founder lived here. You can get a tour of the home or visit the museum to see real relics from the 18-1900s displayed much as they were in that time period.

For example, you can see up close and in-person real attire worn as early as the 1890s, and learn about the different uses for such clothing or history buffs, it’s truly fascinating.

Magic Diamond Casino or Windiggers Casino

Play some slot machines or blackjack while having a drink at this hometown casino. It’s a good way to get out of the house, take your mind off things, and kick back with a group of friends. Plus, you’ll be toasty and warm indoors no matter what the winter weather is doing outside.

Kalispell Main Street Historic District

You’ve probably been here before, but it’s so lovely, why not go again? You’ll have to walk outside to get to the quaint, unique shops and cafes, but it’s worth it. Did you know our historic district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994? We’re proud of our downtown.

Montana Brew Bus

If you love brews, spirits, and food, this activity in Kalispell is perfect for you. This bus will take you and a group of people on a fun tour of area breweries. Your stops may vary depending on the season’s route, but common stops include Sunrift Brewing Company, Brass Tap, and Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits, among others. You’ll love visiting multiple local breweries and distilleries without having to worry about driving yourself.

It’s easy to get cooped up and bored during the wintertime. Let’s cure that with an adventure to somewhere indoors in Kalispell. You’ll see there are plenty of fun memories left to be made for seniors, like yourself, right in your hometown.

Our residents mean the most to us. At Immanuel Lutheran Communities, we always give our honest best to seniors in the Flathead Valley. This is our home, and this is our mission: to enrich lives by providing Christian communities of support and loving care. Learn more about the senior living lifestyle at Immanuel Lutheran Communities today.

The Many Types of Housing Options for Seniors Today

Individuals choose to move into senior living communities for a variety of reasons. Some move to be around other people their age. Some don’t want to be burdened with the upkeep of a home. Others need help performing everyday tasks. And still others need a safer environment or more medical care than their family can provide. As you begin researching senior housing options near you, this guide will explore options addressing each of these concerns and more.

ACTIVE OLDER ADULT HOUSING OPTIONS

Studies show that individuals who are active and engaged in life are happier and healthier than their non-active counterparts. Many older adults become more active and engaged after moving into a community of their peers for various reasons:

• It’s easier to make friends within a community of similarly-aged people
• Organized activities and clubs make participation easy
• Greater access to sports and fitness programs geared to their age group
• Activities and programs are age-appropriate

As you examine housing options for seniors near you, you may want to also consider:

• Are the services and facilities you want nearby, such as shopping malls, public libraries, health centers and museums?
• Does the housing option you’re considering accommodate alternative mobilities? If you need handicapped bathroom facilities or parking, or ramps and elevators, are these available?
• If you have a health condition that could require immediate medical attention, is a hospital or medical care facility nearby?

As Americans live longer, healthier lives, the number of active older adults searching for senior housing options offering an energetic lifestyle has increased. Fortunately, several types are available:

Independent Living is a senior living option for active older adults with minimal need for assistance for daily tasks.

55+ Communities attract seniors in early retirement looking to downsize.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or CCRCsare senior living communities for those who prefer a continuum of care in one location at a predictable rate.

COMPARING INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITIES, 55+ RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES AND CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES (CCRCS)

As you consider senior housing options during retirement, all three help residents pursue an active lifestyle. They all offer activities that interest a wide variety of people and provide an environment in which to do these activities surrounded by people who are similarly-aged; although an independent living community and a CCRC offer more scheduled activities each day, most on-site. They all offer a wide range of amenities and services, but they will vary from location to location; so, it’s best to determine what amenities and services are important to you and then choose a community that provides them.

A 55+ retirement community is more likely to have single-family homes, although independent living and CCRCs may also provide this option but on a much smaller scale. Single-family homes offer spaces to cultivate your own flowers and vegetables or a garage to work on your car, if that is your hobby, making them an obvious choice for many.

The biggest difference in these housing options for older adults is that a CCRC is more future-focused, providing a continuum of care beyond independent living all within the confines of a single support living environment. Once established in a CCRC, things will be familiar to you for the rest of your life … no more needing to acclimate to new surroundings, schedules and people, despite any changes in your level of care. Although the cost of a CCRC is substantially higher, 77% of family members of residents in CCRCs would be likely or very likely to consider a CCRC lifestyle for themselves in the future.

To learn more about Kalispell’s premier senior housing option, please contact us today.