As temperatures begin to drop, it’s tempting to go into hibernation, curling up in front of the TV or retiring to bed to read a good book. And, in cases of extreme weather, this may be the best plan of action. But, especially as we get older, staying active and engaged is important to our health and well-being. Here are some ways to stay safe, healthy and engaged throughout the winter months.
Stay as active as weather allows
Don’t let cold weather keep you from getting out and getting some
exercise. Of course, you’ll need to take a few extra precautions. First,
dress warmly and in layers, so that you can remove articles of clothing
as needed. Wear a hat, as an uncovered head loses a lot of heat. Avoid
icy sidewalks at all costs, as falls are always a concern. If your
healthcare provider gives you the okay, try out winter sports such as
snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Head to your local senior center to
take a yoga or tai chi class. Call up a friend and go bowling. By
staying active, you’ll not only feel better in the short term, you’ll be
laying the groundwork for many long-term benefits as well.
Keep in touch with friends and family
Winter can create a sense of isolation, which can lead to depression. So
make socializing a priority. Make a date with a friend to see a movie
or play. If you have challenges finding someone to spend time with,
engage the services of one of our cultured companions. If you’re unable to get out because of a health condition, invite people over for coffee or tea. As we discussed in this post, keeping socially active can improve memory, increase your lifespan, and increase your enjoyment of life.
Winterize your home
As temperatures drop, hypothermia becomes a real concern for older
Americans. More than 600 seniors die every year from it. Make sure your
furnace is in good working order and change the filter if it’s been a
while since you’ve done so – dirty filters can restrict airflow. Seal up
any window and door gaps with caulking, weather stripping, or even a
handmade “draft snake” – which can be as simple as sticking a rolled-up
towel under a drafty door. Insulate your pipes to keep them from
freezing. And finally, make sure you’ve stocked up on plenty of food in
case a blizzard keeps you homebound for several days.
Take precautions if you travel
Listen for radio or TV reports of travel advisories issued by the
National Weather Service. Avoid travel in low visibility and on
ice-covered roads. If you must travel in ice or snow, let someone know
your destination and when you expect to arrive. Bring a mobile phone
with you.
Maintain a healthy eating regimen
Eating healthfully during wintertime can be challenging – overindulging
at holiday parties and events, a shrinking availability of many fresh
fruits and vegetables, gifts of holiday cookies, pies and fruitcakes,
and an inability to get out as easily can all contribute to eating less
healthfully. It’s so much easier to order in a pizza than to head out
into the cold to buy groceries. But with a little planning, you can
stock up on more healthful choices and enjoy them throughout the season.
