Three Ways to Improve Winter Life for Seniors Living With Reduced Mobility and Chronic Conditions by Maddie Thompson, The Sixth Degree
As the weather gets colder and winter starts creeping in, so do coughs, colds, and the seasonal flu. It’s difficult for many people to stay warm and well during winter, but taking care of yourself can feel significantly harder if you are a senior with reduced mobility.
Photo credit: Centre for Ageing Better on Unsplash
As well as downloading the Self Care Forum Factsheets on common colds in adults, coughs, winter illness and winter wellness to help you through the colder months, we are looking at three additional ways you can make those winter months more comfortable and manageable.
Stick to Healthy Habits
Stick to Healthy Habits You might be more tempted to indulge in unhealthy treats over the winter period—particularly with Christmas festivities in full swing—and likewise inclined to avoid exercising when it’s especially cold outside. Eating well and staying active are just as important in winter as in summer for physical health.
With a mobility issue, it may be challenging to leave the house in cold, icy weather, making shopping and exercising difficult. However, simply doing what you can will make a huge difference. Consider having a loved one or carer purchase healthy snacks for you, and stay active around the house in a way that feels manageable.
If you have regular appointments to attend or a health plan that you need to stick to, be sure to continue with these throughout the winter. If you’re struggling to meet your commitments, communicate with your healthcare provider; they may be able to arrange home visits, such as for general wellness checks or physiotherapy.
Make sure your home is safe and warm
Make sure your home is safe and warm. Keeping your home safe and warm is crucial in winter, particularly if you’re vulnerable to illness or injury. It’s a good idea to monitor the temperature of your home and invest in a hot water bottle or an electric blanket—just be sure not to use both at the same time for safety reasons. You can also eat plenty of hot food throughout the colder months to keep your body temperature up, and you can have your heating system checked by a professional to ensure it’s working properly.
There’s plenty more to consider, too, such as home insurance to purchase in case of weather-related damage, and various government payments that can help towards your energy bills. Consider following a winter wellbeing checklist that’ll remind you what you need to do in the months leading up to the season.
Stay connected with loved ones and carers
Photo credit National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
Stay connected with loved ones and carers Above all else, a lifeline in the form of a friend, family member, or carer is essential at this time of year. Make sure you have someone to turn to for help if something goes wrong. It’s best to start communicating about any concerns you have before winter kicks in to give the people around you plenty of time to make arrangements.
Ultimately, while taking care of yourself can feel a little trickier in winter, you can enjoy the festive season comfortably so long as you leave yourself plenty of time to plan for what you’ll need. Staying connected can also help improve your mood in the colder months, when you may be socializing less than usual. Remember to accept help if you need it and welcome it as an opportunity to deepen your bonds with the people you care about.
About the Author
Maddie has worked with seniors for many years and loves to share tips and tricks to help them live their best lives throughout their golden years. Her passion for enhancing the wellbeing of seniors shines through in her commitment to supporting healthy, active, and fulfilling lifestyles.
External Link List
- Common colds in adults - Self Care Forum factsheet
- Coughs - Self Care Forum factsheet
- Winter illness - Self Care Forum factsheet
- Winter wellness - Self Care Forum Factsheet
- Stay active - British Heart Foundation
- Winter wellbeing checklist - Compare The Market
- Improve your mood - Disability Horizons
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