Healthy Winter Tips for Seniors
For older folks, winter poses challenges to keeping healthy. With a higher risk for sicknesses plus the frigid weather, having a few tips for your health under your hat will help you solider on. If you are over 65 or have a loved one to look after that is, these tips can help make winter a healthier season for you.
– Focus on food
In winter, it’s even more important to choose nutritious foods that fuel you with vitamins and minerals. These nutrients help your immune system work as it should, and you’ll need all the extra help you can get since with every passing year, it works less effectively.
– Watch what you wear outside
In these parts, ice and snow can cause loads of trouble. Wearing shoes that are warm, sturdy, and with non-slip grips can help you to get outside and move around safely. You should dress yourself in layers so you stay warmer and have greater ease with controlling your temperature once back inside with the heater on.
– Find ways to stay active
Winter may have ruined your usual walking route outdoors but you can still find ways to move and keep healthy. Yoga is a great activity you can do anywhere plus they gentle movements provide greater range of motion. Walking inside a community center or shopping mall is another option. You can contact local groups for the elderly to discover exercise classes and other fun ways to keep your activity levels on high.
– Have an emergency kit ready
Sometimes those winter storms can knock out the power. Before the first snow falls, make sure you’ve got all the essential supplies you need to stay warm and comfortable. Pantry staples, flashlights, candles, and blankets are all important to have ready.
– Get help with the driveway and sidewalk
For seniors that live alone, the snowy and icy driveway and sidewalk can be a danger zone. If you can’t shovel and salt them yourself, enlist help from family, friends, or neighbors so you can safely enter and exit your property.
– Enjoy time with loved ones
Winter health isn’t just about staying active, eating healthy, preventing slips and falls, and keeping warm. These physical things are important, though mental health also needs to be in balance. Battle winter blues by visiting with the ones you love. Check your retirement community for activities so you’ll never be lonely!
If you have a senior that needs assistance this winter, contact In Your Home Therapy for our range of senior services to provide the utmost care safely at home.
