Winter is well and truly here and, let’s face it, the cold weather makes it very tempting to rug up on the couch and stay indoors. However, social connection helps our mental and physical health and getting out and seeing people regularly can be fun.
Here are some winter activities you might enjoy:
Go to the cinema
Could there be a more perfect social activity for winter? The movies are open seven days per week with sessions scheduled for at all times of the day, so you’ll never even notice the weather outdoors. Even better, some cinemas offer special Seniors Morning Tea screenings and discounted tickets for Seniors Card or other concession card holders.
Explore a new hobby at your local library
There’s something for you at your local library, no matter your personality or unique tastes. There are groups that meet regularly for crossword fun, knitting, art class, book clubs and quizzes. There are also choirs, and the opportunity to play bingo, darts or cards. If you would prefer to sit back and listen, there are also one-off short courses and talks on a range of topics, from learning about honey to the history of Fremantle Prison.
See City of Joondalup, City of Wanneroo, City of Swan, City of Cockburn, or City of Gosnells. All councils offer social events for seniors and others, so visit your local centre to find out more.
Wander around your local shopping centre
With shopping centres dotted around most of the metropolitan area, it’s only a short car, bus or taxi ride to a heated indoor space with lots of people around. Stroll around a book store, organise to meet a friend for lunch, or ask one of our Chorus volunteers to join you for coffee and cake. Plenty of cafes have great morning tea and lunch deals, so look out for those.
Keep active at an indoor heated pool
While the thought of exercise mightn’t be particularly appealing, maintaining some level of fitness can help with things like managing pain and flexibility. Plus, a little physical activity will keep your mind fresh. Aquatic centres such as those in Booragoon, Belmont, Bayswater, Joondalup and Craigie have heated indoor pools where you can walk, swim laps, or take part in a seniors-focused exercise class.
Attend a concert
If you appreciate beautiful music, the WA Symphony Orchestra regularly puts on lunchtime concerts at the Perth Concert Hall at discounted ticket prices. Listening to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons (Le Quattro Stagioni) will liven up even the gloomiest winter day. Browse WASO’s concert schedule here.
Visit one of Perth’s cultural spaces
Culture-lovers, explore the latest exhibitions at the Art Gallery of WA or the WA Maritime Museum, or curl up with a book at the State Library. You might also like to hop on a sightseeing bus and see the city’s sights through tourists’ eyes.
Ask a friend to come to your home 
You don’t always have to go out to socialise. Why not give a friend or family member a call and invite them around for a coffee or tea? Or ask about our home care services Community Visitors Scheme, where a volunteer can come over regularly for a chat.
What social activities are available through Chorus?
Chorus Community Connections Centres are a great place to meet people from your area, and join individual and group activities. Available to Chorus customers as part of our aged care, disability and mental health support services, there are six centres across Mandurah, Rockingham, Kwinana and Bull Creek. You can find out more about our community centres here, but here are a few ideas to get you started.
Coffee Club: Nothing beats a chat over a nice hot cup of coffee.
Chorus Arts: This is a great indoor option to keep you social over the colder months, while also learning a new skill.
Step into Life: It can be hard to get motivated to exercise, but our classes will help keep you active – and they’ll also warm you up!
Mixed Group Activities and Multicultural Groups: Come to one of our centres, meet new people and catch up with familiar faces.
While it may be winter, there is still plenty to do to keep your spirits up. If you have a pensioner concession card, there’s plenty more on offer at discounted rates. Find out more here. For more ideas on winter social activities in Perth, have a look at the following websites:
Get in touch on 1800 264 268 or at chorus.org.au if you’d like to speak to someone about what social activities are on offer through Chorus this winter.
