Looking to get out and be social? Want a fun activity to try? We’ve got you covered with our monthly activity article.

Each month we will highlight a different activity or event for grown-ups to get out and try. The idea is to get a group of people together to socialize, have fun, and try something new.

For those of us that live in cold, snowy places, winter typically means hunker down and hibernate until spring. But when you do venture outside, hopefully you notice it’s not so bad after all. It’s actually kind of nice – refreshing even, so long as you’re dressed appropriately.

Well, there are actually many benefits to getting outside in winter; you soak up much-needed vitamin D, the fresh air energizes us naturally, being out in nature boosts your mood, and researchers have even found that you’re less likely to get sick because you aren’t cooped up indoors sharing germs.

Knowing this, ice skating seems like an excellent pastime pursuit! Many cities have free outdoor skating rinks, or you can visit an indoor one at the local community center. Both places often have skate rentals too, if you don’t have a pair of your own.

Get some friends together, and make a day of it. Many indoor rinks offer open skates in the morning, then head off to lunch at the café! Or, go for an afternoon or evening skate outside, followed by dinner. You will get some much needed time with friends, some physical activity – which actually burns even more calories in the cold weather – and enjoy the winter season.

For more Pastime Pursuits follow Amintro. We are the social app for those 50 plus looking to make new friends and expand their social circles. Find like-minded people in your community and then meet with confidence in person.

Join for free here or learn more about us, our community and how to become an Amintronian by following us on Twitter: @AmintroFriends, or liking us on Facebook: AmintroFriends.

By Christine Tompa