Not all seniors are lucky enough to spend their long cold winters in sunny locals such as Florida or Arizona. If you’re part of the group who is spending this winter at home, and home is in an area that’s prone to harsh winters, you might find that getting through the cold is a bit more challenging than it used to be. If so, then you’ll appreciate these tips for staying happy and healthy until the first flowers of spring emerge.
Safety First
Independent living doesn’t mean that you have to “go at it alone” so don’t be afraid to ask children, relatives and neighbors for help. Most will be more than willing to lend a hand and you should arrange for someone to look in on you often.
If you find that lifting bags of salt or shovelfuls of snow is something you’re struggling with, don’t attempt it. Keeping your sidewalks free of snow and ice is hard work and can be dangerous. If you can’t find anyone who can help, make sure to take your time on these tasks to avoid overexerting your heart.
Or hire someone. Start asking neighborhood teen-agers if they’re looking to make some extra money and you’ll likely find a few takers. If not, look in the classified sections of local papers and on bulletin boards around town for the names of people you can hire. Or consider a home companion.
Keeping warm
By now you’re probably well aware that dressing in layers offers protection from the harsh climate. Just be sure to cover all exposed skin including the head, face, earlobes, hands and feet, to limit your time outdoors, and to keep dry. Water repellant outer layers and boots will help. .
Even better would be to stay inside all winter long. But that’s neither practical nor healthy. When inside, take extra care when using fireplaces, wood stoves, candles, and space heaters as they can cause fires and fill interiors with smoke or carbon monoxide. It’s a good idea to place fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at the onset of cold weather.
You can conserve interior heat by keeping windows and doors to rooms you aren’t using closed. You can also cover windows with draperies, place towels along cracks at bottom of doors. And always have plenty of dry wood inside in case you can’t get out.
Eating Right
It’s tempting to load up on high-carb foods, but with a bit of planning and effort, you can keep eating right throughout winter. Vegetable-laden stews and soups made with reduced sodium broths and warm sweetened beverages can warm you on a cold day and provide your body with beneficial nutrients. Limit alcohol, caffeine and cigarette smoking as they decrease the body’s ability to conserve heat.
Staying active
You probably won’t be doing many outdoor activities during this time of year but it is important to try and maintain some social contact. As often as possible, continue going to church, volunteering, and getting together with friends and family. Also consider signing up for any of the activities that interest you that you see posted at community centers, health centers, the YMCA and other locations offering senior services.
