Seniors Site

Winter Health Tips for Seniors

Weather changes are indeed dangerous to a senior’s health since the aging body’s temperature tends to adjust slowly and quite painfully. However, these weather changes can never be avoided and we will just have to deal with it whether we like it or not.

Just like in summertime, winter has its own set of health hazards which seniors might want to try to avoid – or avoid at all cost since they can be fatal. Some of these health hazards are very common while others can be a little strange. Rule of thumb is, whenever in doubt, just stay safely ensconced inside your home and not go out anymore.

• Don’t exert too much effort during winter months. I know how that pile of snow outside your yard can be annoying but just get someone young and built for the job to do the shoveling for you. Too much exertion can bring about heart attack, plus the cold weather can make your arteries constrict and limit blood flow. Add to that the fact that when we age, it becomes harder for our bodies to adjust to the temperature change thus making it especially hard for seniors to cope with the cold weather.
• Monitor your blood pressure. The drop in temperature causes your blood pressure to rise. Generally, blood pressure is higher during winter months and lower in summertime so if you are suffering from high blood pressure to begin with, you might want to prepare for the winter months.
• Take Vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D, the one you get when you expose yourself to the sun, is important for calcium absorption. Without it, you risk having and/or triggering osteoporosis, heart diseases and diminishing mental acuity. During winter months when the sun is virtually non-existent, seniors are encouraged to take vitamin D supplements to be able to still meet their daily requirements.
• Socialize more. Winter, for some reason, brings about depression. Perhaps it is the shortness of “sunlight” time affecting our anxiety levels. To fight this, try socializing more. This can be done even if you don’t go out more often. Small get-togethers are fun with family and friends too just as long as you surround yourself with people who matter to you the most.
• Stick with your exercise routine. People, young and old, suffering from asthma can attest to this: in winter it only gets worst. It is because of the dry air narrows the airways thus restricting airflow. To combat this, try to stick with your exercise routine even if it’s quite challenging to do so during winter.