Practical Tips to Help Older Adults Beat the Winter Blues
The post-holiday letdown is real and can cause many older actuals to experience fatigue, loneliness, sadness, and a lack of motivation. Shorter days and colder weather also contribute to the winter blues, especially if older adults fear slipping on icy sidewalks. While it may be normal for older adults to feel sad after a cheerful holiday season, lingering sadness can morph into depression if precautions aren’t implemented.
If you’re an older adult prone to experiencing the winter blues, know that you’re not alone. You can take steps to help beat the winter blues so that winter is no longer a dreaded season. Here are four practical tips to help older adults beat the winter blues.
Extend the Joy of the Season
Just because the holiday season is over does not mean that all the joy you experienced needs to be put away. Extend the positive feelings and uplifting mood of your holidays by carrying some of the typical holiday experiences into the new year. Take your time putting away holiday decorations. Consider leaving your tree up and decorating it for the next holiday, such as Valentine’s Day. Plan a post-holiday party to catch up with friends and hear about their holidays. Spend time planning a Super Bowl Party or Valentine’s event, even if it’s a virtual gathering. Planning is half the fun and can give your mind something to focus on instead of focusing on those winter blues.
Stay Active
Another way to beat the winter blues is to stay active. Staying active during the winter months can be challenging for older adults. Yet exercise releases endorphins and is proven to increase one’s mood. Before starting anything new, talk with your doctor about what exercises are appropriate for you. Then, make a plan. Check out exercise videos from your local library and commit to following along. Do an extra lap around the grocery store before you shop. Find an indoor mall nearby that allows mall walkers. There are many ways to remain active even when it’s too cold or snowy to get outdoors for a walk.
Connect with Others
Beat the winter blues by staying connected with family and friends. Winter can be a difficult season for some older adults to get out and socialize. However, staying connected is vital to the health of an older adult. Find ways to stay connected even in the winter months. Consider using rideshare services to chauffeur you during the winter. Connect with loved ones over the telephone or video calls. Invite people to your home if the weather makes it challenging for you to go to their home. Participate in virtual events if you can’t leave your home.
Learn a New Hobby
Finally, beat the winter blues by learning a new hobby or rediscovering a favorite pastime. Hobbies provide opportunities to be creative. They also require older adults to use different areas of their brains. From arts and crafts, to woodworking, puzzles, reading, cooking and baking, there are many hobbies older adults can explore. Many libraries and craft stores offer adult hobby classes. These are a great opportunity for older adults to learn something new while also staying connected with others in their community.
Whether you’re a fan of winter or not, the season is upon us. Visiting Angels Sheboygan is here to help older adults keep the winter blues at bay. We offer exceptional home care for seniors and have plenty of options for seniors to select. We believe that having options isn’t just important, it’s essential. By choosing which services best suit your needs and when those services are provided allows seniors to maintain their dignity and independence. Don’t let the winter months hold you back from receiving the care you need. Please contact us today by calling 920-221-1000 to learn more.