November has only just started. According to the calendar, we still have until nearly the end of December for the winter season to officially get underway. Mother Nature, however, has other ideas. Here in Calgary, subzero temperatures and snowfall is already the norm. If you live with a senior, you will surely be concerned about his/her well-being all throughout the coldest months of the year. For older adults, it’s harder to stay warm.
What steps can be taken to keep older adults from suffering through cold temperatures?
Layer up.
From the oldie-but-a-goodie category comes this tried-and-true tip of layering up. It’s simply common sense to put on several layers of clothing when venturing outdoors in the wintertime. But are you layering the right way? It’s smart to tuck in the layer closest to your skin. With a shirt tucked into your pants, you prevent cold drafts from chilling your bones. Consider wearing two pairs of long socks that fully cover the ankles. Ankle socks are not winter garments.
“Even if they aren’t leaving the house, seniors can suffer from elderly cold intolerance inside,” notes California’s 1Heart Caregiver Services, “Encourage your elder loved ones to wear several layers every day including thermal underwear, socks, undershirts, and even hats. Laying a blanket over their legs can also help keep them nice, warm, and snug.”
Eat a healthy diet.
You would be hard pressed to locate a list of health tips that omits nutritious eating. No matter your age, it’s important to eat a diet that is nutrient-rich. Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds should always be on the menu. In addition to good overall health, a healthy diet helps your body to stay warm. All Seniors Care explains.
“We’ve all felt the allure of ‘comfort food’ during fall and winter, with good reason,” says their website, “When you eat food that’s high in healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, your body will take longer to digest. This longer digestion process raises your internal body temperature, warming you from the inside out.”
Keep active.
No matter your age, maintaining an exercise-filled lifestyle is a bright idea. For older adults, light exercise helps to maintain weight, improve blood circulation and keep warm. According to 1Heart Caregiver Services, inactivity is one of the causes of feeling cold in the elderly.
“Remaining sedentary for extended periods can drive their body temperatures down and affect body heat,” reports their website, “If they are able to, encourage your elderly loved ones to stand up, stretch their legs, and walk around a bit. Something as simple as playing with a pet or helping you in the kitchen could help prevent elderly cold intolerance. On days when it isn’t too cold, bundle them up and go on a neighbourhood stroll with them.”
Enjoy the freedom of mobility.
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we would love to do our part in keeping your elderly loved ones warm all throughout the winter. Especially since most Canadians will spend more time inside their homes this winter, it’s important to be aware of the ways in which the home can be made safer for seniors.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn all about our accessibility and mobility solutions. They include stair lifts, lift chairs, crutches, canes, walkers, rollators, scooters, wheelchairs and so much more! From the stairs, to the bathroom, the family room to the bedroom, and even outside your home, Advantage Home Health Solutions has the product solution to make it happen. Give us a call at 403-460-5438 to discuss. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
