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Winter season is not a popular season, especially among the children and young adults. The weather is chilly all the time and everything remains covered in snow. But winter has its own set of beauties also. People can perform various outdoor winter activities. This is also the festive season.
However seniors should remain careful during this time as they are at getter risk of catching cold and other diseases. In this article, we are going to discuss about the steps by which seniors can keep themselves warm during the winter season. Let us begin.
Steps for keeping seniors warm during winters
Some of the effective steps for keeping seniors warm are as follows:
Wear insulating clothes
Insulating clothes are very much effective in keeping the seniors warm during winters. Seniors should dress in layers which will trap warm air closer to their bodies.
They should wear a cloth which moisture-wicking base layer for keeping the skin dry, an insulating layer in the middle for warmth and a waterproof outer layer which will offer protection against wind and snow. It will also protect their body from dangerous health problems like frostbite.
Wear proper footwear
Wearing a proper footwear is very much essential for seniors during the winter. In this season, almost everything becomes covered in snow. The streets become slippery with ice, making it difficult for seniors to walk outside.
This problem can be solved by wearing the right footwear. Seniors can wear insulated winter boots with a waterproof exterior during winters as it will keep their feet warm and dry. They can also war shoes with ice grips or cleats. This will add an extra traction on icy roads and will ensure safety of seniors on icy roads.
Maintaining a healthy balanced diet
Maintaining a healthy balanced diet during winters will also enable the seniors to stay well during the winter season. They should eat numerous fruits and vegetables for getting nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These nutrients will help in supporting their immune function.
They should also consume whole grains like brown rice, oats and quinoa for fiber and vitamin B. They should drink plenty of warm water for staying hydrated. They can consume other types of warm liquids also, such as soups, broth, tea and coffee.
Take walking sticks for stability
Seniors should always take a walking stick with them while walking on icy roads during winters. Walking sticks will minimize the chances of falling and getting injured by providing support to the seniors and maintaining their stability on icy roads.
Some of these sticks often have some special features, such as spiked tips, broader bases and adjustable designs which help in improving both traction and support.
Make arrangements for proper home insulation
Proper insulation is very much important for keeping the home warm. You should check all the doors and windows of your house for cold air or drafts. Try to keep them closed as much as possible.
You can also use weather stripping and draft stoppers in your house which will prevent cold air from entering your room. You can also install insulating curtains in your house.
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Sleep on a warm bed
You should ensure that senior family members always sleep on a warm and cozy bed during winters. Besides providing comfort, it can also ensure their well-being. You should invest in warm bedding, such as flannel sheets and down comforters. Blankets and quilts will also help the seniors to keep their bodies warm during the cold weather.
You can also use electric blankets or mattress pads which will provide additional warmth to the seniors. However, electric blankets should be used in a carefully, especially by those people who are suffering from diabetes or any other types of diseases which can have an impact on the skin sensitivity.
Install safe heating sources
Installing heaters in the room of senior members of your family will help in reducing cold and keep them warm. However, you should always check properly before installing any heating devices in your house.
Although space heaters can provide the seniors with additional warmth, it is important that you use them carefully. It is mandatory that you keep your heating devices away from combustible materials.
Please do not leave these devices unattended even for a few minutes. It will be better if you use infrared heaters instead of traditional space heaters since infrared heaters usually safer and more efficient compared to the traditional heaters.
Stay active
Majority of people will prefer to sit in one place, staying snuggled under a blanket during winter. While this is very much tempting, people, especially the seniors should engage in some sort of physical activities for staying warm and active throughout the winter season.
If they do not stay active, it will be difficult for their bodies to maintain muscle mass and generate enough heat.
There are various kinds of outdoor winter activities for seniors, such as bocce ball and croquet. If the weather becomes too harsh, seniors can stay inside their house and engage in various kinds of indoor activities. This will help them to maintain a healthy body by staying warm and active throughout the winter.
Try to stay moisturized
Cold weather can make the skin dry which can cause cracks on the skin, especially on the skin of seniors. This can be prevented by using moisturizer on a regular basis throughout the winter season.
Daily use of moisturizers can help in maintaining skin integrity and warmth. Seniors should apply moisturizers on their body during the winter months, especially on their hands and feet which usually remains exposed.
Indoor activities for seniors during winter
Some of the indoor activities which can be done by seniors during winter are:
●Reading books: Reading books can help the seniors to escape the boredom of the daily monotonous life of staying indoors during the winter months. It will also keep their brain active by stimulating their mind
●Play indoor games: Seniors can also play indoor games like chess during winter. These games will sharpen their mind and reduce the risks of diseases like dementia.
Seniors are at a greater risk of falling prey to diseases during the winter months compared to adults. This is the reason they should take necessary precautions for keeping them warm and healthy throughout the winter season.
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