Seniors Can Stay Healthier During the Winter!

Seniors Can Stay Healthier During the Winter with this Guide. Read more!

Yes, seniors can stay healthier during the winter. Although the long, winter months and shorter days can increase your risk of getting sick, there there are many things you can do to stay healthy.

Try these ideas to maintain your health in the winter:

Continue to Exercise

It’s common to avoid exercising in the winter. When it’s snowing the wind is brutal, or freezing rain covers your driveway, it may be tempting to stay indoors, huddled under the covers. Instead of hiding from the elements, find unique ways to stay active.

Exercise can boost your immune system and keep you healthy during these cold months. Exercise will also improve your mood, give you energy, and help you sleep.

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Try exercising indoors if the winter weather is harsh. There is reasonable priced exercise equipment that you can use sitting at a desk, at a table or in front of the TV. You can go to a gym near you. Try to go during less busy hours. Seniors stay healthier in the winter when they stay active!

Another option is to use winter activities as exercise. You can get a cardio workout by shoveling the snow and building snowmen. Just be sure to pace yourself, and wear appropriate clothing and warm anti-slip shoes. You can also get a great workout from skiing or sledding, if you are physically able to. Just walking is great for the body and the mind.

Wash your hands.

Washing your hands frequently is always a good thing, but it becomes especially important in the winter months so that seniors can stay healthier in the winter.

Because most people spend a lot more time indoors in the winter, it can increase the chance of sickness. Windows and doors stay closed, so fresh air doesn’t circulate. This allows germs to build up in the air and spread more easily. Spending more time indoors with others exposes you to more illness. When possible limit large indoor gatherings, and if weather permits, try to get out in the fresh air, even for a few minutes throughout each day.

Washing your hands with soap and water frequently can dry out your skin. Using a gentle soap and a good moisturizer right after hand washing, can help to combat dryness and itching.

Get More Vitamin D

It’s harder to get vitamin D from the sun during the winter, so it’s important to make an effort to spend more time outdoors.

Your body makes vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D in important as it helps regulates many processes in the human body, including your genes. This may mean that you need to boost your Vitamin D levels in the colder months.

The lack of vitamin D, you may cause t bone pain, heart disease, depression, muscle weakness, dementia, arthritis, and other health issues. This deficiency can also increase the risk of cancer.

Besides making getting outdoors, even when it’s blustery, taking supplements and eating foods with vitamin D are essential Fortified milk, cereals, and orange juice have extra vitamin D. Eggs and mushrooms are also good sources.

Pay attention to your diet.

Seniors can stay healthier during the winter when they pay attention to what they eat. Nutrition sometimes suffers during the winter for several reasons. Fresh produce is more expensive and harder to come by. Eating comfort foods is hard to resist, so try to limit meals with high fat, sugar, and salt.

Since you are indoors more, take this time to explore new recipes that are healthier versions of your favorites!

While fresh fruits and vegetables are more scarce (and more expensive) in the colder months, frozen options are a great alternative. Produce has important antioxidants and other nutrients that can help boost your immune system and prevent some illnesses. So, you want to ensure they’re still part of your diet in the winter.

In short, a guide to help with winter health includes exercise, hand washing, additional sources of Vitamin D, and paying closer attention to dietary needs. So, stock up on essentials, eat healthy layer up and talk a walk, and remember to wash and moisturize your hands often. Seniors can stay healthier during the winter, when following these suggestions.

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