Staying Happy and Healthy in the Cooler Weather

Fall is a great time to enjoy the cool sunny days and outdoor activities but keep your health and well-being in mind as you do. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it becomes more difficult for our bodies to adjust to temperature changes as we age. Stay safe this Fall by preparing for the cooler weather ahead of time.

Stay Hydrated

Typically, your body keeps you from becoming dehydrated by making you feel thirsty. While guidelines tell you to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, typically you can drink to your thirst.

Hydration is a top concern for seniors, partially due to a diminished sense of thirst or a change in fluid regulation due to medication. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing found that up to 40% of elderly people may be chronically underhydrated. When your body needs water, you may not even realize it because you don’t feel thirsty like you once did.

Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. People often think that they don’t need to drink as much in cooler weather, but your body functions best when fully hydrated. Your body will be less prone to winter illness when hydrated. And if you're going to be outside for an extended period, take along a sports drink to replenish your electrolytes. Get an insulated water bottle and take it with you when you go out. They are made in all sizes and styles, and it is easy to find one that will fit in whatever type of bag you carry.

Dress Appropriately for the Weather

Wear multiple layers with a bottom layer of natural fiber fabric when you are outside in the winter. Dark colors tend to attract the warmth of the sun and help to keep you warmer so make your outer layer a darker color. Cover your skin as much as is comfortable. Even though the air is cooler, block the sunlight and wear sunglasses with UV protection.

Wear Sunscreen

Skin damages from UV exposure are cumulative; hence the risk for cancer increases over time as people grow old. Therefore, sunscreen is vital among older people outdoors since sun damage is harmful at all ages. An SPF of 50 is ideal for daily wear. Always consider sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection as UVB rays cause sunburn and UVA can cause skin cancer. The sunscreen should also contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which blocks the UVA and UVB rays.

Outdoor Activities

Schedule outdoor activities during warmer periods of the day. Go for walks, garden, or play golf in the late morning to early afternoon when the sun is more intense. If you are outdoors during very cold hours, stay where the wind is blocked and where the sun is shining. When it is very cold outside, spend time in well-ventilated and well heated spaces. Take warm showers or baths. When taking part in an activity away from home, consider visiting a shopping mall, movie theater, library or community center to stay warm.

Winter Foods

In cold weather, your body is already working hard, circulating your blood to help keep you warm. Digesting a meal requires energy. Eating dense and hardy foods in the fall and winter will help you stay warm and give you the energy you need to keep from feeling sluggish. Healthy soups and meals that have whole grain carbohydrates like pasta, rice, or quinoa can provide the calories you need without unhealthy fats and sugars. They also digest more slowly and provide a prolonged energy source.

Hypothermia and Frostbite Emergencies

Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat and the body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). Left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Hypothermia related health problems can be dangerous. Call 911 if a senior has hypothermia related symptoms. If you live in cold climates or play sports in the wintertime, you should know how to spot the symptoms of a hypothermia emergency.

The symptoms include:

• Confusion.
• Drowsiness.
• Pale and cold skin.
• Slowed breathing or heart rate.
• Shivering that cannot be controlled (although at extremely low body temperatures, shivering may stop)
• Weakness and loss of coordination.

Practicing self-awareness and self-care can help you enjoy the cooler seasons.

A Professional Caregiver

A professional caregiver can be an important part of your support system when you are working on living your best life. A professional caregiver can provide support, care, and companionship for you in the comfort of your own home. They can help you to maintain awareness and safety in the cooler weather. You can find a professional caregiver through our website whether you need someone full-time, or for just a few hours a week. Right at Home will work with you to select the perfect, qualified, professional caregiver to make sure that your loved one’s needs are met. Each caregiver is screened and bonded to ensure professionalism. Our unique five-step process will provide just the right fit for your family. Contact us today at 631.352.0022 and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.