Cold Weather Activities for Seniors. Essential Tips to Follow

• By Jean Nesian
• May 5, 2023

Cold weather months are upon us – it’s important for seniors to be prepared. Ice and snow can make it difficult for older adults to get out of the house, which in turn makes it harder to do things like socializing and shopping.

As the weather gets colder, make sure the seniors in your life know these ten tips on preparing for cold weather.

• Avoid slipping on ice
• Dress/Wrap up warm
• Keep the cold out
• Don’t use alcohol to keep warm
• Check your temperature
• Maintain the temperature
• Have warming food and drinks
• Stay active with an indoor workout
• Fight isolation and depression
• Audit your living place

Here are some tips to help you stay warm when the temperature plummets and the wind roars:

Wear several layers of lightweight and warm clothing so you can adjust as you warm-up or cool down. Loose-fitting clothes trap warm air better than tight-fitting ones and the topmost layer should be water & wind resistant.
Mittens are always warmer than gloves. If you’re exercising, your hands may be warm enough with just gloves. Take along mittens or another pair of gloves that can be worn over those when you stop moving.

Cover your face and head with a hat and scarf or mask to protect your skin.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Wear warm, waterproof boots with good tread to prevent slips and falls. If the ice is really bad, you can put traction cleats or crampons onto your boots.

You will get the most benefit from your physical activity, here are some of those:

• Balance
• Endurance
• Flexibility
• Strength
• Dancing
• Going to the gym
• Indoor yoga
• Walking

Here are the top dangers

• Frostbite
• Hypothermia
• Heart problems

Know the signs of hypothermia. Here are some early signs of hypothermia:

• Cold feet and hands
• Swollen or puffy face
• Shivering
• Pale skin
• Being angry or confused
• Acting sleepy
• Less obvious effects
• Getting lost in a whiteout
• Dry skin and mucous membranes
• Balance
• Being sedentary
• Loading up on snack foods

Benefits of being in Cold Weather:

Mental Health:

Spending time outdoors in the winter can also help with your mental health
Taking a short walk each day or watching the birds from a park bench can improve your mood

Creativity and focus:

Spending time outdoors (no matter the season) can also help improve creativity and focus

ADHD:

When Seniors with ADHD spend time outdoors they are twice as able to focus.

Cold weather myths:

• Myth: Not wearing a coat will make you sick.
• Myth: You lose most of your heat from your head.
• Myth: You shouldn’t exercise outside when it’s cold
• Myth: You don’t need sunglasses in the winter
• Myth: Cold weather makes you SAD

Assisted Living, Memory care services can be especially helpful to seniors during cold weather months. Take a look at Lantern Lifestyle which is right for seniors. Have Questions? Check out our website: https://lanternlifestyle.com/contact-us/ for more information.