As the weather begins to turn chillier, you know that winter is just about here. Many people start thinking about the holidays during this time or preparing for winter activities they enjoy. However, it’s also essential to consider winter safety, especially if you’re a senior. The winter can be a time of risk for seniors if they don’t prepare properly. As you prepare for the coming colder days, we want to ensure you stay safe. For more information on safely preparing for winter, reach out to Clover Hill today at 201-485-4000.
1. Dress Properly
One thing that will aid in senior safety is making sure you dress correctly for the season. This factor is particularly important for winter safety. When the weather gets cooler, it can bring a chill to seniors. You may wonder why older adults seem colder and are at risk of getting too cold in the winter. As people grow older, their skin becomes thinner because they are producing less collagen. Losing that extra layer of protection against the elements can leave seniors shivering. Another reason they may feel cold more frequently is that aging also decreases circulation and blood flow.
Dressing correctly to stay warm isn’t the only thing seniors need to do for winter safety. For instance, they need to ensure they are wearing proper footwear too. With the winter also comes ice and snow, leading to dangerously slippery conditions for seniors. Without adequate footwear for the conditions, a senior is prone to fall.
2. Eat Nutritious Meals
One aspect of senior safety that people may not give much thought to is nutrition. Seniors must get enough vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from the food they eat. If seniors live alone or don’t have adequate care, they may under-eat or eat the wrong foods. They may not have the energy or physical ability to cook like they used to.
Sometimes seniors may not want to go to all the trouble if they are the only ones in the house or just them and one other person. However, not eating properly can reduce immunity and put them at risk for viruses, diseases, and other problems.
If a senior fails to eat healthily, they may fail to thrive emotionally. Eating is often a social activity, which you should enjoy with a flourish.
3. Stay Connected with Others
During the winter, many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This disorder is a type of depression that occurs in the winter months as the daylight hours are shorter. People may have symptoms such as:
- Fatigue and sleeping more often
- Hopeless feelings
- Withdrawal from others
- Depression
It’s essential for the mental well-being of seniors that they have people close to them. As they interact with others and socialize together, it can help ward off some of the depression or loneliness. Staying connected with other people is a critical part of staying healthy and safe year-round.
Retreat for the Winter at Clover Hill
Discover our beautiful and elegant homes in an upscale community in New Jersey. You’ll find a boutique senior living community at Clover Hill that offers seniors an intimate home providing assistance for everyday activities. Our goal at Clover Hill is to make everyone feel at home in their spacious yet intimate setting. With our luxurious suites, you’ll have all the amenities you desire. Yet, with the smaller size, you’ll get more personalized attention and services. Some of the services we provide include:
- Private culinary services
- Integrative assisted care
- Medication management plan
- Individualized care plan
Don’t hesitate to make your senior years memorable and comfortable this winter. Find your new home awaiting you when you reach out to us. Contact Clover Hill at 201-485-4000 today for more information!
