Winter Wellness Tips for Seniors

Wintertime can bring a mix of emotions. Some people don’t like the cold but they like watching it snow. Of course, even those who enjoy fresh snow are a lot less excited about having to deal with it. Regardless of how you feel about winter temperatures, it can have a negative impact on senior health. As we age, our body becomes less efficient at producing energy and warmth, which can cause hypothermia and even frostbite, especially if you have circulation problems in your extremities, like your fingers and toes.

Some medical conditions are negatively impacted by the cold like thyroid problems or diabetes, which can also cause problems regulating your body temperature. Cold air can also make breathing troubles worse, and arthritis can make it painful or even impossible to zip your coat. As you can see, when the temperatures start to drop, it’s important to stay safe. To help, here are some cold weather tips for seniors.

Going Outside

If you’re someone who still shovels their sidewalk after it snows or you just have errands to run and friends to visit, one of the most important cold weather tips for senior wellness is making sure you’re dressed appropriately. That includes:

• Wearing loose layers of clothing to help you keep warm that you can shed and adjust to your comfort when you reach your destination.
• Always putting on a hat, scarf, and gloves to prevent losing body heat.
• Wearing a waterproof coat and changing your clothes if they get wet.
• Whenever you leave the house, take your mobile phone with you and make sure it’s fully charged.
• If you drive, winterize your car by having the windshield wipers and tires checked and replaced if necessary.
• Avoid driving on icy roads, if at all possible.
• Keep emergency items in your vehicle, including a first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, and bottled water.
• If you feel cold or tired, take a break to warm up and regain some energy.

Preventing Falls in Winter

Just because a snowy surface looks passable, there may be ice underneath. Older bones don’t always heal as quickly as they once did, and less muscle tone can also affect your recovery. That’s why it’s important to take the proper precautions:

• Wear shoes with strong soles that help you maintain traction. You might also benefit from carrying a cane with a fresh tip.
• To prevent tracking in anything that could melt and cause an indoor slipping hazard, before entering your home shake any snow from your shoes and remove them right away.

Avoiding Seasonal Doldrums

If your normal routine and mobility are limited by the cold and weather conditions, your mental health can suffer. Plus, with the shorter, darker days of winter, it’s little surprise that depression and loneliness tend to spike during the colder months. Social interaction is one way to combat the winter blues. Regular chats with neighbors and family members can help you maintain a sense of connection, even when you’re cooped up inside. Passing time with activities that you enjoy can also help make extended periods indoors more bearable.

Santa Marta Provides the Ultimate in Safety and Comfort

Cold weather can present many health concerns for older adults. However, living at a senior living community like Santa Marta can make every season, even winter, more enjoyable. .

• Our maintenance team work tirelessly to keep our sidewalks and parking lots safe.
• Everything you need, including a calendar full of activities, clubs, and social opportunities, is all under one roof.
• Our free underground parking means you won’t even have to scrape your car windows.
• If you do need to go somewhere, we offer scheduled transportation.
• Delicious dining options can be found just a short walk from your front door.

To learn more, contact one of our helpful senior living counselors.