Quick Tips to Keep Healthy and Not Alone This Winter

As we are learning about the coronavirus this winter, it brings to mind overall health concerns. What are you doing to keep healthy this winter season? During the flu and cold season, there are many bugs, and also safety concerns that seniors need to be reminded of often. There are the basics like wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and so on.

However, here are a few quick tips you should be mindful of to keep healthy and happy this winter season.

1. Get the Flu Shot--Aging adults need to get a flu shot. With winter in full swing you are exposed to many germs on a daily basis and it is important to get your flu shot. According to the CDC (Center of Disease Control), during the first two weeks of 2020 the number of adults with the flu was down. However, the last two weeks of the month have shown a 25% increase in the flu. Getting the flu shot reduces your risk of getting the flu 40-60% which is pretty good odds versus feeling terribly sick and jeopardizing your health. 

1. Keep Moving–While the weather is decent get outside, get up and get some fresh air. It is great for your mental and physical health. Physical exercise is wonderful for your body and mental health. Also, if the weather gets too cold, icy, or snowy, walk around inside and keep moving. Every hour take a little walk around in your house to keep the blood flowing and your brain going too!  

1. Stay Social— It is very easy after the holidays to cuddle up in a chair or couch and not talk to anyone. How many TV programs can you watch or rewatch? You need to find a group to converse with regularly. Socialization is the key to staying healthy and both mentally and physically fit. Join a card club or go to the YMCA and swim with friends. There are many activities through your local YMCA, Senior Center, or Chamber of Commerce that can help keep you engaged and healthy. 

1. Winter Help— It is winter and you might not be able to get out all the time. Recruit local neighbors, family, or friends to help you get out and about to keep yourself engaged during the cold winter. When they have things cleaned up for you, now is the time to offer them a little hot chocolate or coffee to warm up and socialize a bit too. Don’t let the winter months get you down and make sure you are staying connected, but also safe in the weather conditions. 

Finally, it is only a little more time until Spring; so, you might as well seize the joy of winter and not let the doldrums hinder your spirits. Caring for aging loved ones is sometimes a challenge and in the winter even more so. Prioritize time to spend with your aging loved ones and keep them feeling loved and purposeful. Need help engaging your aging parents or loved ones? Call Ann at Senior Living Options and she will help guide you in the next phase of living.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.