A morning walk in the crisp air, taking up a Tai chi class, maintaining a birdfeeder - the possibilities are endless when it comes to keeping your aging loved one on the go this winter. Cold weather, snow, the holidays, and less daylight can make outdoor activity more difficult, but there are still plenty of ways to stay active indoors and outdoors safely.

Why is Staying Active Crucial for Seniors?

Activity is important for seniors year-round to reduce chronic pain, improve cognitive function, manage a healthy weight, increase mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. As essential as movement is to happiness and health, staying active during the winter months can be especially challenging for seniors. Below are some tips for keeping your aging loved one active this winter.

Activities for Seniors: Safe Ways to Stay Active This Winter

Find a New Hobby

Encourage your aging family member to get moving in a fun and creative way by helping them find a new hobby or ignite an old passion they can get excited about. Whether it’s a video game specifically designed to help improve balance and coordination or planting a winter garden to care for, your loved one can enjoy the benefits of exercise while doing an activity that stimulates the brain. You can also find local community dance and art classes that encourage seniors to make new friends that share their interests.

Get Outside

Depending on the weather, you can incorporate outdoor activity into your aging loved one’s movement plan in the winter. Taking brisk morning walks, bird watching, and light yard work tasks like trimming shrubs, raking leaves, or planting winter-friendly plants can be peaceful and rewarding hobbies.

Start a Fitness Routine

Establishing an exercise routine for your aging loved one is one of the best ways to improve strength, flexibility, mobility, and balance, preventing their risk of injury. With the approval of your loved one’s physician, consider incorporating chair exercises into their routine to improve circulation, cardiovascular health, and mood. These exercises are a great way for seniors to stay active without putting too much strain on the body. Simple movements like seated leg lifts, arm raises, and side stretches can help improve flexibility and strength. Gentle yoga or stretching routines improve flexibility, balance, and muscle strength, and can include cushions and blocks for support. You can help your loved one strengthen their bones and build arm, leg, and core strength using light weights and resistance bands. Additionally, consider low-impact movements such as Tai chi to improve mind-body connection.

Dress Safely

Dressing safely for winter weather is key to keeping your loved one safe this winter. Ensure they dress in warm, breathable layers that wick moisture. Bright colors and reflective gear are safest, especially when out in the mornings and evenings. If there is a risk of ice where you are, reduce fall risk by using handrails and shoes with tread. Cold weather increases your loved one’s risk of muscle strain. Always warm up before engaging in activity and encourage your loved one to alert you to any discomfort they feel.

Stay Hydrated

Even in colder months, it's important to stay hydrated. The cold weather can mask thirst, but dehydration can still occur. Be sure to encourage your aging loved one to drink water regularly throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty.

Staying Active with In-Home Care

By staying active during the winter months, you can help improve your loved one’s physical and mental health, keeping their spirits up during the colder, darker days. Encourage them to listen to their body and adjust activities as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter season. At HomeSpark, our in-home caregivers are trained to help your loved one stay active and independent as they age within the comfort of their homes. We offer a wide range of non-medical, in-home care services including respite care, transportation services, nutritious meal preparation, personal care, and assistance with household duties. For trustworthy in-home care in Bryan/College Station, Texas, contact HomeSpark.