Seniors and Winter Health Risks

Senior Safety  |  January 15, 2021

What Every Senior in Winnipeg, MB Needs to Know About Health Risks for Seniors During the Winter Months

What do you need to know about seniors and winter health risks? Spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature and participating in activities can improve the quality of life for seniors.

However, cold winter weather can create a barrier to many senior’s regular schedules. And, it’s not just snow and ice that make winter a difficult season for seniors – additional factors include post-holiday isolation, illness, and the physical effect of cold weather.

Seniors and Winter: What Are the Risks?

Knowing what to look for, and creating a strategy for combatting winter health risks, can help seniors maintain positive mental health and physical wellness.

Winter Risks for Seniors:

#1. Winter Blues

Cold air and gloomy skies can make anyone feel less cheerful during the winter months. However, depression can have an outsized effect on seniors and their long-term mental health.

Creating opportunities for socialization and finding joyful moments isn’t just for fun – it can help foster critical connections and combat loneliness.

There are a variety of uplifting activities that can be enjoyed during the winter months. These include movie nights, reminiscing by the fire, and getting outside on a rare sunny day.

#2. Winter Illnesses

There are a variety of ways that seniors can be physically affected by the winter season. 

• • Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infection that can be dangerous for seniors due to lung issues that come with age, weakened immune systems and conditions that make pneumonia more severe. Older adults should talk to their doctor about healthy lifestyle changes and vaccines that can help.
  • Joint pain: Joint pain can be more common for seniors in cold conditions – whether they suffer from arthritis or not. Dressing in layers, regulating temperature inside and stretching exercises can help. A healthcare professional can also suggest exercise, medication or other coping strategies.
  • Heart issues: Heart attacks and high blood pressure are more common in winter because cold snaps increase blood pressure and strain on the heart. The heart must work harder to maintain body heat, while falling temperatures may cause an unhealthy rise in high blood pressure, especially in seniors.

#3. Winter Safety

Remaining mindful of winter safety issues is important for seniors and their families. Cold weather can be more dangerous for those with some health conditions, like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes or thyroid problems. Seniors should talk to their doctor to learn more.

Other types of accidents or injuries can be avoided through education too. Examples include being mindful of fall risks, monitoring carbon dioxide levels and preventing hypothermia. 

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg Offers a Wide Range of Private Home Senior Care Services

For families concerned about the health and well-being of aging loved ones, we can help with homecare services including, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, in-home personal care, respite care, specialized care, in-home nursing, end-of-life care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® professional caregivers provide services to ensure safety, health, and happiness without the stress of moving to an assisted living or rehabilitation facility. Individually tailored care plans account for living arrangements, medical issues, physical restrictions, personalities, expectations, and more.

Our Interactive Caregiving™ Approach Enables Top-Notch Homecare

The Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Our compassionate caregivers can provide a personalized home care plan for your loved one, allowing them to enjoy a healthier, safer, and more meaningful retirement at home. 

Comfort Keepers® is the Most Trusted Name in Senior Care in Winnipeg

Our in-home caregivers ensure our seniors are physically, socially, and mentally engaged. In addition, we provide options, activities, events, and resources for seniors that might otherwise not be available.

Locally Owned and Operated In-Home Personal Care for Seniors

Our caregivers live and work in the Winnipeg area. We know the area and how to assist our clients using local resources. Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. If you live in Winnipeg and require homecare services for senior personal care and wellbeing, contact Comfort Keepers® at (204)-488-4600. 

Accredited Home Care for Seniors in Winnipeg

Comfort Keepers® Winnipeg is accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers® offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada.

References

Medical Alert. “How to Avoid the Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Web. 2020.

American Lung Association. “Lung Health and Diseases: Learn About Pneumonia.” Web. 2018.

U.S. News. 10 Ways to Avoid Winter Joint Pain. Web. 2015.

American Heart Association. “Cold Weather and Cardiovascular Disease.” Web. 2015.

National Institute on Aging. “Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults.” Web. 2018.

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