POULSBO — For many the recent snow and ice diverted holiday plans, resulting for some in extra time away from work and school. But to Poulsbo’s senior citizens — which according to US Census Bureau figures is nearly 20 percent of the population — hazardous weather can have a magnified affect.

“We always anticipate this time of year and we add a lot of extra great activities that are indoors that the residents enjoy,” said Susan Rauch, director of activities at Martha & Mary, a nonprofit nursing home and rehabilitation center. Despite the cold, December tends to be a beloved month, full of carolers and holiday activities. Residents were offered a trip to Target and a Christmas-light outing. But once the heavy snow fell, those off-campus activities were stayed. Rauch said the facility didn’t want to take any risks on icy roads. She said the flurry of activity in December mitigates the limited outdoor access, but the rest of the season can be more difficult to bear.

“I think the harder months are January, February and March because of the long stretch of gray rainy days,” she said. Not many residents want to stroll outside when the weather is bad, and tend to be more active in the warmer months.

Similar reports came from Poulsbo’s Senior Center, where President Dee Davis Bare said many residents will walk to during good weather. Not so this time of year.

Bare talked with members about their snow experience; both pedestrians and drivers had troubles with the snow. One, who uses a walker for mobility, found it difficult to leave her apartment. Mounds of snow accumulated on her access ramp, making it a hardship to navigate. Another recounted an icy road scare during which her car slid into a ditch. Another, a center volunteer, had to use a 4-wheel drive to get into town.

Many of the members use Access bus service through Kitsap Transit, which offered limited services in the snow. Through much of the bad weather the center itself was closed.

Poulsbo Public Works director Barry Loveless said along with roads the city clears sidewalks that front city property, such as those near city hall or the Poulsbo Library. But where sidewalks abut private property it is up to the owners to keep those walkways cleared of ice and snow.

Bare put a reminder out to the senior population: It’s a new year, so memberships can be started or renewed at the center where, she says, coffee and conversation are always on.