Winter can be rough. Many seniors avoid winter by heading south, but the rest of us have to figure out how to weather the storm. Last week we talked about creating a “feel good” zone indoors, but what happens when you want to, or have to, go outdoors.
Aches and pains, whether the byproduct of arthritis, degenerative joint disease or just plain old age, plague us all. Skiing is out of the question for most of us, but snow shoeing and long winter walks are still an option. Still, dealing with ice and snow is no joke; even a trip to the mail box can trip you up. That doesn’t mean you should avoid outdoor activities altogether, but use common sense.
Dress appropriately when you go outside. Wear sturdy boots and consider ice grippers if you want to stride purposefully along. Walk in the powdery snow on the outer edges of the sidewalk and avoid slippery patches whenever possible. You might consider learning how to use walking poles, even if you don’t normally do so.
Be sure to apply sun scream and/or good moisturizers because senior skin is delicate and needs all the help it can get.
Dress for warmth. Select loose outerwear like a cape that will accommodate layers of clothing. Heavy snug jackets make you feel hot, uncomfortable and unbalanced. Good insulated boots and thick socks are important. You want your feet to be warm, dry and grounded. Complete your outfit with a warm hat and wear gloves or mittens that are lined with fleece, fur or a thermal material.
Oh, and one more thing, protect your muscles and joints. Seniors like to do their own chores; many find shoveling snow both necessary and satisfying. It is not unusual, even for people who don’t normally exercise, to get caught up in the excitement of it all. This might be the year to invest in a lightweight snow blower or electric shovel.
Winter shows up every year whether you like it or not. Hibernating is not an option. Lighten up a little, be careful and enjoy the crisp cold feel of it all.
Leave a Reply