6 Reasons Winter Is the Perfect Time to Move to a Retirement Residence

Battling the cold and icy elements of winter can be both challenging and isolating for many older adults. Slippery sidewalks, freezing temperatures, and reduced daylight all contribute to making it harder to stay active and connected.

That’s why winter is actually the perfect season to move into a retirement residence—a warm, welcoming, and engaging setting designed for safety, comfort, and connection.

Here are six reasons why moving to a retirement community this winter can enhance your or a loved one’s quality of life:

  1. 1. Beat the Winter Blues

    Shorter days and longer nights can affect anyone’s mood, but for older adults, winter can bring real feelings of loneliness or sadness. According to McMaster University, social isolation significantly impacts seniors’ mental health and well-being.

    In a retirement residence, you’ll find company and connection close at hand. Whether you’re chatting with neighbours over a warm cup of tea, joining a painting class, or taking part in a trivia night, each day brings new ways to connect. Furthermore, studies in The American Journal of Psychiatry have shown that meaningful social relationships are one of the strongest protective factors against depression—something retirement living naturally supports through community, friendship, and belonging.

  2. 2. Stay Safe from Icy Sidewalks and Slippery Stairs

    Canadian winters can be tough on balance and mobility. The Canadian Institute for Health Information notes that ice-related slips and falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults.

    When you live in a retirement residence, that risk disappears. Walkways are kept clear, driveways are maintained, and help is always close by. You can stroll to the dining room or activity lounge without worrying about black ice or hidden patches of snow. And when you need to get somewhere, transportation is provided—safe, simple, and stress-free.

  3. 3. Stay Mentally and Physically ActiveAll Season Long

    It’s easy to hibernate in the winter, but it’s even easier to stay active when opportunities are right outside your door. Retirement living offers an abundance of options to move, learn, and laugh year-round.

    Join a morning stretch class, try a new creative pursuit, attend a guest lecture, or enjoy live entertainment without ever stepping outside. These moments of engagement aren’t just fun; they help maintain physical strength, boost mood, and sharpen the mind. Staying active during winter has never been so easy—or so enjoyable.

  4. 4. Enjoy Fresh, Nutritious Meals Every Day

    When the weather makes grocery shopping tough or icy roads make you think twice about heading out, healthy eating can suffer. McMaster University found that nearly one-third of older Canadians are at risk of poor nutrition, especially in winter.

    In a retirement residence, mealtimes become one of the best parts of the day. You’ll enjoy chef-prepared dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients—no meal planning, cooking, or cleanup required. Whether it’s a hearty bowl of soup on a snowy afternoon or a warm slice of pie shared with friends, dining here nourishes both body and spirit.

  5. 5. Say Goodbye to SnowShovellingand Winter Home Maintenance

    Shovelling the driveway, salting the steps, scraping the car—these are winter tasks that most people won’t miss. Homeownership can be rewarding, but in winter, it often means added work and worry.

    In a retirement community, all those chores are handled for you. That means more time to enjoy your mornings at leisure, read by the fire, or watch the snow fall from the comfort of a cozy lounge. It’s the freedom to live on your own terms, without the hassle of home maintenance.

  6. 6. Access Reliable Transportation Services

    Winter roads can be unpredictable, and even the most experienced driver can feel uneasy on ice or snow. That’s why many retirement residences offer scheduled transportation for shopping trips, appointments, and social outings.

    You can leave your car parked and still enjoy complete independence. Whether it’s a trip to the mall, a scenic drive, or lunch with friends, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride—no scraping windshields required.

Why Choose a Chartwell Retirement Community This Winter?

Timing your move to senior living can make all the difference, and winter is the perfect season to find comfort, connection, and peace of mind at a Chartwell retirement community. While the world outside may be cold and snowy, you’ll be surrounded by warmth, care, and companionship inside our welcoming residences. Enjoy chef-prepared meals that are healthy and delightful, engaging programs that inspire joy and friendship, and personalized support that prioritizes your comfort and well-being—all within a cozy, maintenance-free environment.

If you’re still deciding whether senior living is the right step, take our confidential Am I Ready? Quiz to better understand your needs and lifestyle goals. For adult children or caregivers, our Is It Time? Quiz can help you determine whether your loved one may be ready to make this positive change.

To explore the advantages of moving this season, download our Why You Should Move Into Senior Living Now guide, filled with expert insights and helpful tips about the many benefits of retirement living—especially during the winter months.

Ready to start your next chapter? Visit our Find a Residence page to locate a retirement residence near you or your loved one and book a personalized tour at your convenience today!


*The following sources provide references for this blog, in order of appearance: 

  1. McMaster University. “Winter health risks for older adults.” (2017), online: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/hitting-the-headlines/2017/01/21/winter-health-risks-for-older-adults
  2. The American Journal of Psychiatry. “Social connection is the strongest protective factor for depression.” (2020), online: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/08/200814131007.html
  3. The Canadian Press. “Latest Canadian statistics on slips and falls on ice.” (2019), online: https://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/claims/latest-canadian-statistics-on-slips-and-falls-on-ice-1004160258/
  4. National Institute on Aging. “Cold weather safety for older adults.” (2018), online: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cold-weather-safety-older-adults
  5. McMaster University. “Supporting seniors at higher risk of poor nutrition.” (2016), online: https://www.mcmasteroptimalaging.org/blog/detail/blog/2016/03/10/supporting-seniors-at-higher-risk-of-poor-nutrition