Winter Health Risks for Seniors

Senior Health  |  November 18, 2021

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Health Risks for Seniors During the Winter

Winter Health Risks for Seniors | 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.

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 Health Risks for Seniors:

• 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.
• Winter illness – 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 the 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.
• 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 of fall risks, monitoring carbon dioxide levels and preventing hypothermia.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elderly Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Is Invoicing the Right Option for You?  Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. Our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

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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