Winter Health Risks for Calgary’s Seniors

Calgary Seniors  |  January 21, 2026

What are Calgary’s winter health risks for seniors? While spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, and participating in activities all contribute to a senior’s quality of life, the cold winter weather in Calgary can disrupt their regular schedules. Winter presents multiple challenges beyond just snow and ice, including post-holiday isolation, increased risk of illness, and the direct physical effects of cold temperatures.

For an older person, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, liver damage, or worse.

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

Seasonal Factors to Consider as Winter Health Risks:

#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 connection 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:

• 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:

Being 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 about fall risks, monitoring carbon dioxide levels and preventing hypothermia.

Comfort Keepers® Calgary Can Help

Our goal is to provide uplifting in-home care that benefits seniors and their families. The individualized care plans we create for our clients consider physical goals as well as non-physical mental health needs. Our caregivers can provide companionship or transportation to community events, and support physician-prescribed exercise regimens, provide companionship and help to families that want to stay connected through technology. We strive to elevate the human spirit through quality, compassionate, joyful care.

Comfort Keepers® Calgary Offers Comprehensive Homecare Services for Seniors in Alberta

Comfort Keepers® in Calgary, AB, is the leading provider of care for seniors, providing individualized homecare options to meet the unique needs of your loved ones.

Each Comfort Keepers client has unique care needs. That is why we offer a full range of in-home care services for seniors and tailor care plans that provide our senior clients the right amount and types of help to support independent living at home.

Our comprehensive in-home care services are designed to support seniors and their families throughout Calgary, Alberta. We offer compassionate companionship, personalized personal care, light housekeeping, and meal preparation, as well as specialized care for individuals living with dementia or requiring end-of-life support. 

We also assist with safe transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and pharmacy visits. For those who need continuous support, Comfort Keepers provides reliable 24-hour and live-in care options to ensure comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

Personal Care and Companionship Services for Seniors are Available at Comfort Keepers® Calgary

Through personalized home care services in Calgary, we empower seniors to remain engaged and connected. Every care plan is thoughtfully designed to suit individual preferences, ensuring the client receives more than care; they receive companionship, encouragement, and dignity.

Home is the Best Place to Be: The Interactive Caregiving™ Difference 

Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). Our trained caregivers in Calgary use Interactive Caregiving to engage clients in meaningful ways, creating stronger emotional bonds and promoting mental clarity through conversation, games, gentle exercises, and purposeful routines.

Aging-in-Place with Top-Notch Personalized Senior Care

Comfort Keepers® Calgary is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. If you live in Calgary, Chestermere, and Okotoks, and require homecare services for senior personal care and wellbeing, contact our local Comfort Keepers® office at 587-328-7793.

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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