5 Ways Seniors Can Remain Active During the Winter Months
Winter can be a challenging time for many, but a lot of families overlook the extra challenges winter poses to their senior loved ones.
Not being able to get out for nutritious food, feeling isolated and temporarily losing social connections, and a rise in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, are just some of the reasons many seniors resort to staying indoors. Another large concern for seniors over the winter is the heightened risk of falls due to mobility impairments caused by heavy snow and ice.
So, how can seniors remain active during the winter months without putting themselves at risk? Let's chat about it!
Top 5 Ways seniors can remain active in winter
1. Virtual l technology has come a long way over the last few years, and there are lots of exercise programs available online through various apps and websites. Working out indoors at home has never been so easy! If you are worried that a full workout might be too much, not to worry: even a little light stretching and some chair yoga can go a long way to keeping you mobile during the winter.
2. Schedule movement and activity into your day. With the days becoming shorter and getting dark sooner, many folks suffer from SAD - seasonal affective disorder. In short, our general mood goes down, making it harder to become motivated. Try to set up a time for activity during your day, preferably in the morning hours, so that you can have a sense of accomplishment as well.
3. Get outside when you can. With proper preparation, many people are still able to go outside for short periods of time to do a walk or to visit a friend. Worried about slippery surfaces? Adding items such as boot spikes can go a long way. Walking poles can also help with stability.
4. Hire a professional to help with outdoor house maintenance such as snow blowing and sidewalk clearing. These services are not generally too expensive and can go a long way for your mental health and peace of mind knowing that if and when you do want to go outside, you have a clear path to walk.
5. Consider doing a winter respite stay at a retirement home. You can take advantage of exercise programs, meal service, and social activities to fill your days. Some homes even have a pool, so you feel like you're on vacation right in the city that you live in!
Winter can be difficult for all of us. However, taking some pre-planned steps to make sure winter is as enjoyable as possible for you and your loved ones can really benefit physical and mental well-being. This is especially important if you live in colder climates such as Canada where winter is going to be coming - regardless if you are prepared or not.
Booking a winter respite has never been so easy! At RespiteRequest.com you can quickly search available options in your city and reserve your space today.