Winter Wellness: How Older Adults Can Stay Healthy During Colder Months
As temperatures drop, so too do our opportunities to stay active. It may be tempting to cozy up indoors, but staying active is essential for keeping your spirits high and maintaining your well-being throughout winter.
You don’t have to do strenuous exercises outside to maintain your health. In fact, staying physically active indoors and emotionally well by connecting with loved ones are two of the best ways to make it through the season feeling happy and healthy. Here are five ways to stay active and healthy during the colder months:
1. Remain Physically Active
Although colder weather can limit outdoor activities, that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. From yoga and Tai Chi to group exercise classes tailored for older adults, there are countless ways to burn calories while staying warm indoors; even less strenuous activities like stretching and chair exercises can go a long way toward promoting health.
2. Nourish Your Body
Fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods — this is especially important in winter. Warm soups, seasonal produce and comforting yet healthy dishes ensure you get the nourishment you need to stay energized. If you haven’t already, consider switching to a heart-healthy diet of foods such as whole grains, healthy fats and vegetables.
3. Engage Your Mind
Winter is the perfect time to take up a new hobby or dive into an old favorite. Whether it’s painting, puzzles or crosswords, staying mentally active is just as important as staying physically active. However, solitary activities such as these can only benefit us so much, which is why you should remember to socialize. Staying connected with others can ward off feelings of anxiety and depression. Whether enjoying a movie night, a game of cards or simply chatting by the fireplace with loved ones, companionship is critical during the colder months.
4. Stay Safe Outdoors
Remaining indoors throughout the winter is not a realistic proposition for most. When you go outside in snowy or icy conditions, though, be sure to take certain precautions. Bundle up to stay warm, wear boots that get good traction to prevent falls and don’t stay out for too long or well after nightfall; overexposure to the elements can happen more quickly in older adults.
Embrace Winter With Masonicare
Lastly, why not let us take care of the details so you can focus on your health and happiness this winter? With Masonicare’s ‘Winter With Us’ option, you’ll enjoy a worry-free winter with access to exceptional services and amenities. No shoveling snow, no cooking meals, no braving the cold alone, just a warm, welcoming environment filled with opportunities to connect with others.
Take advantage of this special offer and experience the warmth, joy and security of Masonicare at Ashlar Village firsthand in one of our fully furnished homes. Contact us today to learn more about ‘Winter With Us’ and schedule a tour, by calling 203.679.6429.
