Here's some helpful advice from Andrea Cohen, CEO of HouseWorks -- a Boston and D.C.-based elder care company. She's given some great ideas for helping our loved ones socialize regularly through all seasons:

If they have a computer, try getting them online more often with frequent emails or updates to photo-sharing sites where they can follow the family news.

While you're looking into a snow-shoveling service, why not hire a driver? Arrange for one to come on a weekly basis to pick up your loved one and their friends for regular outings!

Find indoor alternatives to regular exercise. If your parent usually goes for a daily walk, but can't now that the temperature is dropping, suggest a gym membership or a walking program at a local mall.

Wintertime doesn't have to be an inconvenience or a difficult experience for your elderly loved ones. With a little advance preparation, and some extra care, you can make this time of the year as comfortable for them as any other.

What are some of the things you do to help keep your parents or relatives who are getting on in years active?

(Read the full interview with Andrea here: http://bit.ly/9zVPmS)

My mom just loves the simple act of going out to eat in a restaurant! Plus it takes the task off of preparing another meal at home. She enjoys new foods, the music and sounds in the restaurant, as well as the simple conversations that might take place between the wait staff and herself.

Going shopping or cruising (she's in a wheelchair) around a department store is always a treat! She always ends up buying something but it can just be the act of getting out into a store, even window shopping.

Going to a movie was the newest idea I had just this weekend. My son mentioned he'd like to see 'How to Train a Dragon' and asked if she'd like to go along. This is a wonderful idea! She hasn't been to a movie theatre probably since her dating years!

So many opportunities out there - just have to open your eyes to the simple things!

Paula H.

Oh that's wonderful. I remember caring for my mother in my home for over seven years prior to her passing. I still have pictures of us from the mall picture boothe, that was a time I will never forget and am so glad that I took the time in my life to love on her during her elder years. God Bless
Mollyna