Helping Seniors Stay Active in Winter
Staying active in the Midwest during winter is a challenging task for anyone, especially for seniors who have added mobility challenges.
Though it may take some extra creativity and effort, the good news is that there are a variety of activities for getting seniors active indoors during the winter months.
Staying active is a healthy part of life at any age. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age.”
Getting enough physical activity is important for mental health as well. Britany Brasseur, activity director at SKLD Plymouth, says, “It’s important for seniors to stay busy in the winter months because it helps to take their minds off things like being alone on the holidays, or being cooped up indoors. Not being able to go outdoors for fresh air can get kind of claustrophobic.”
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is “is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer.” Some common symptoms to watch out for include:
Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
Feeling hopeless or worthless
Having low energy
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Having problems with sleep
Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
Britany says that staying active, seniors “can also help battle conditions like seasonal depression.”
While going outside may not always be an option, Britany says, “We love to go on outings in the winter-weather permitting. Some of our favorite winter outings are concerts at our local library, shopping, the casino and museums. “
When the weather is not conducive for an outing, Britany says the residents like to stay in and cozy up with movies, crafts projects and musical entertainment. No matter what activity they are doing, “The more residents get out of their rooms and the more active they stay, the better quality of life our residents have.”
SKLD New Lexington spent a day in January at the “beach,” complete with sand, Myrtle Beach shells, starfish cookies and beach decor. The residents were delighted.
Family visits
During the winter months, it’s even more important for family to visit, says Britany, “When its dark and cold outside the building can feel more lonely. It’s easy to want to stay in bed when its cold and dark out. “
Sally Finkler, activity director at SKLD Leonard insists that “The best thing family and friends can do is come and visit their loved one. Also, make a point to get them out of their room, to see new scenery, look out windows, play a game and bring a favorite snack or drink.”
Throughout the winter season, it seems as though everyone is sniffling and coughing. For seniors, especially, says Sally, “It’s important to stay active in the winter months because it helps to fight off all of the illnesses that pop up in the winter. It also helps them mentally to stay sharp & improves their mood.”
One activity Sally and the residents love is an indoor snowball fight. “The residents look forward to it every year and so do the staff. We also do a yoga stretch video regularly, bowling and an exercise class at least twice a week.” These are all excellent activities to help boost physical activity during the winter and promote better health in seniors.
Click here for more information about SKLD facilities in Michigan and Ohio.