Winter Wellness Tips for Seniors

Health and wellness go hand in hand. They also seem to become more important as we age. With our dim and chilly Minnesota winters, it can be difficult to stay focused on wellness throughout the season. But these winter wellness tips for seniors offer a few simple ways to maintain good health even if the weather outside is frightful.

Stay Active Indoors

Staying active as we age helps maintain muscle and strength, prevent injuries, and improve balance. The National Institute on Aging notes that older adults with active lifestyles are also less likely to develop certain health issues, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.

If the weather permits, taking a quick stroll outside provides exercise, a shot of fresh air, and that all-important vitamin D. But as we stated earlier, winter can be harsh. So, leave the snow and the cold outside and stay active indoors with other fitness options.

Yoga. With different options based on mobility, yoga is a great way to maintain flexibility, muscle tone, and mindfulness with low-impact movement. Chair yoga provides similar benefits for those with limited mobility.

Strength Training. Strengthening muscles doesn’t have to require heavy weights. Simple activities can help keep muscles toned, improve balance, and prevent falls.

Exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, or wall pushes use your body weight as resistance. Using resistance bands can also help maintain or build strength. Even carrying shopping bags can offer a decent workout. Otherwise, try lifting and curling lightweight dumbbells (or soup cans) for upper body conditioning.

Stretches. Keep muscles and joints limber with a few minutes of stretches each day. Stretching keeps the body flexible while helping to improve posture, reduce arthritis pain, increase circulation, and promote relaxation.

Our Southview Senior Communities offer a host of activities and exercise classes designed for seniors. Programs are tailored to every skill level, with smaller groups to encourage engagement based on resident care requirements.

Winter Nutrition

A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and fiber helps improve overall health. Healthy eating also promotes immune system health, which is especially important during cold and flu season. Each of our 14 Southview Communities has a trained chef and skilled kitchen staff on hand to offer nutritional menu options for residents.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which helps older adults decrease the risk of bone breaks or osteoporosis. But getting enough vitamin D in the winter can be tricky. Supplements can help. Salmon and dairy products like cheese and milk are also good sources of vitamin D.

In addition, hydration is always important, even in the winter. Though you may not feel thirsty, drinking fluids throughout the day, every day, helps prevent headaches, balance electrolytes, and maintain organ function. Warm beverages such as tea, hot cider, hot chocolate, or broths can provide warmth while helping with hydration.

If you want to start your morning off right or enjoy a quick, tasty, and hearty snack later in the day, try this simple Banana Split Oatmeal recipe.

You will need:

• 1/3 cup dry oatmeal
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1/2 cup low-fat frozen yogurt

Directions

• In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the oatmeal and salt together and stir in the water.
• Microwave on high for one minute. Stir. Microwave on high for another minute. Stir again.
• Microwave an additional 30-60 seconds on high, until the oatmeal reaches the desired thickness. Stir again.
• Top with banana slices and frozen yogurt.
• Enjoy!

Staying Connected

Winter often feels like the season for hibernation. Everyone seems to hunker down and wait for spring. As a result, winter’s quietness and coldness can lead to isolation and feelings of loneliness. For seniors, this can be especially challenging, which is why our Southview Senior Communities continue to provide events and social activities to help residents stay connected.

We encourage residents to participate in arts and crafts activities to promote creativity and meet new friends with shared interests. Our happy hour events and community get-togethers provide a space for socialization, celebration, and fun. Live entertainment and presentations bring local guests to each community to share with and talk to residents. And our community rooms are always open, giving residents the opportunity to visit with family and friends, neighbors, and staff.

Healthy Communities

These winter wellness tips for seniors are sure to help older adults stay active and healthy all season long. In our Southview Communities, we create safe and comfortable environments where residents stay active, engaged, and connected, whether in independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Find out more about the amenities, living options, and senior living lifestyle our communities have to offer. Contact us to schedule a tour at a location near you.