Winter Wellness: Activities to Stay Healthy in Eagle
Winter in Eagle, CO, is breathtaking, but for seniors, it can also bring challenges–icy sidewalks, cold, dreary days with little sunlight, and increased isolation. Staying active and engaged in winter isn’t just about physical health; it’s about maintaining emotional and emotional well-being, too. Fortunately, there are plenty of enjoyable and practical ways for seniors to stay healthy both indoors and outdoors in Eagle.
Stay Active Indoors and Out
Wintery weather may limit the time seniors spend outdoors. Incorporating more movement into your day can enhance your overall health, including improving your mood, sleep, strength, balance, and cognitive functioning. Instead, focus on ways you can modify routines to accommodate the cold weather:
- Indoor Walking and Stretching: Walking and stretching is a simple and equipment-free way to keep moving at home. You can also visit a local store or shopping center for a warm place to walk outside of the house. The Avon Recreation Department offers various senior programs to partake in as well.
- Winter Strolls with Support: On days when the weather permits it, bundle up for a short walk around the block or in your favorite local park to get some fresh air. Make sure you wear sturdy footwear and take a walking aid or companion with you.
- In-Home Exercise Programs: Find programs online to follow along with. Senior-focused programs like SilverSneakers or AARP offer a variety of age-appropriate workout videos.
- Dancing for Fun and Fitness: Are you a music-lover? Or perhaps dancing is one of your favorite pastimes. Turn on some music and enjoy some dancing at home. Even if this is just sitting in a chair, swaying to the music, it’s a great way to boost your mood and mobility.
How Visiting Angels Helps: Setting goals and exercising with a caregiver, like one of our Angels, helps you stay motivated, even on dreary winter days. Our caregivers can also assist with mobility challenges, encourage safe activities, and provide reliable transportation to safe indoor walking places.
Engage Your Mind with New Interests
Staying mentally sharp is just as important as being physically active. Winter is also an excellent time to try your hand at new hobbies or interests or rekindle your love for an old one.
- Creative Expression: There are many fun and fulfilling creative activities older adults can do inside, including writing, knitting, and water coloring. Engaging in creative hobbies can provide cognitive stimulation and promote relaxation.
- Virtual Learning and Online Classes: Seniors can sign up for free virtual classes from online resources like Senior Planet from AARP. Local libraries like the Eagle Valley District also offer classes, fun events, and learning opportunities.
- Tech Time: Video calls, online games, or virtual museum tours can be really fun and are an excellent way for seniors to socialize with friends and family without venturing outside. A few of our favorite virtual tours include:
How Visiting Angels Helps: Caregivers can help set up technology, find and participate in virtual events, and encourage engaging in hobbies that bring the senior joy.
Additional Ways to Boost Wellness and Lift Your Spirits
Sometimes, staying active isn’t quite enough to keep your spirits lifted. Other ways to promote a higher state of well-being this winter include:
- Enjoying warm and delicious meals that offer plenty of nutrients
- Staying hydrated with water, warm teas, and broths
- Scheduling a daily call with a friend or other loved one to maintain social engagement
- Partaking in favorite winter traditions like drinking hot cocoa and watching classic feel-good films
How Visiting Angels Helps: Our Angel caregivers regularly assist senior clients with planning and prepping good-for-you and diet-conscious meals. They also provide reminders to stay hydrated. Additionally, they provide genuine companionship no matter what tasks they assist with and can keep seniors engaged with family and the community.
Let Visiting Angels of Eagle Support Your Winter Wellness
Whether they’re preparing nutritious meals, assisting with household tasks, or providing socialization and support, our in-home caregivers at Visiting Angels Eagle are here to help seniors enjoy a happy and healthy season and beyond into the new year. Find out more about how our caregivers can help you or your loved one stay safe, active, and engaged year-round. Call Visiting Angels of Eagle at (970) 328-5526 today!