Outdoor Winter Activities: Health Precautions For Seniors In Cold Weather

   Winter season is not the favorite season of many people. During this time, everything becomes covered in snow. The weather remains chilly all the time. People, especially the seniors have to stay indoors during this season.

It can be quite monotonous staying indoors all the time which can also increase stress levels. One effective solution to this problem is outdoor winter activities. However, winter reason increases the chances of diseases among the seniors, such as catching cold and fever so proper safety precautions are necessary.

In this article, we are going to discuss about the outdoor winter activities for seniors and the safety precautions. Let us begin:

Outdoor winter activities for seniors

Some of the outdoor winter activities for seniors are as follows:

Gardening

Gardening is an effective way of staying active during the winter season. Gardening may remind you about spring, but gardening can be done during winter also. It is the time when the plants and shrubs will require pruning and spraying. Gardening will involve physical movement without putting much strain on your body.

It will also improve flexibility of your body and help you to stay active. As a senior person, you can try out a little bit of gardening during the winter months.

Outdoor art and crafts

Another way by which you can stay active throughout the winter months is by performing outdoor art and crafts. It will reduce your boredom by stimulating your mind while promoting your motor skills at the same time.

You can perform various activities for escaping the monotonous routine of winter, such as painting. Winter has its own set of beauty. You can capture this beauty in your canvas. You can also do other activities like knitting in the park or building garden sculptures.

You can also build various sculptures in your garden using snow, such as a snowman or an igloo. This will give you a sense of immense satisfaction.

Engaging in physical activities

Physical activities are very much important for keeping the body healthy and active during the winter months. Gardening requires a lot of physical activities. You can also perform various kinds of outdoor exercises during winter, such as sit-ups, knee exercises and outdoor yoga.

Having a meal outside

Having a meal outside the house is another safe activity which seniors can do during the winter season. It is also a great way of bonding with the other members of the family. You can enjoy a warm soup with your family members while sitting outside.

You can also build a small fire and roast some food over it, such as a chicken leg or some marshmallows. It will be a thrilling experience and an escape from the daily monotonous life.

Engage in outdoor games

There are various kinds of outdoor games which can be performed during winter, such as skiing and ice skating. However, all of these games are not suitable for seniors. As a senior, you should engage in those games which are suitable for you.

Some of the games which the seniors can safely play during the winter months are bocce ball, croquet and playing catch. Bocce ball can be played in both indoor and outdoor settings. This sport involves throwing balls at a target ball. 

Croquet on the other hand is a sport in which a player is required to hit a ball with a mallet through hoops embedded in the ground. You can also play catch with your grandkids. Playing catch can help you to restore your sense of balance which will minimize the risks of falls.

It will also provide a proper workout to your leg muscles. It is recommended that you wear anti-slip footwear while engaging in outdoor games. 

Go for a walk

Daily walks outside the house will help seniors like you to stay active throughout the winter months. It will also improve your overall health. You should go for a walk around your neighborhood on a daily basis. A leisurely stroll through a park will help you to connect with nature.

You can also socialize with some of your neighbors who have also come out for a brief walk. I t will give a boost to your mental health by creating a positive feeling in your mind.

Safety precautions for seniors during winter months

Seniors are at risks of various diseases during the winter months. They should take the necessary precautions for keeping themselves safe. Some of the safety precautions for seniors during winter months are as follows:

●Avoid shoveling snow: Shoveling snow might seem like a thrilling physical activity but is not good for seniors. You must remember that works at a double rate during the colder periods for keeping your body warm.

Shoveling snow can put strains on your heart which can lead to heart attacks. You should avoid shoveling snow, especially if you are suffering from heart diseases. The act of shoveling can also be dangerous if you are suffering from osteoporosis. 

●Wear proper clothes: While engaging in any kind of outdoor activity, such as walking or gardening, you should wear proper clothes for protecting yourself from the cold weather. If you do not wear proper clothes, you will suffer from various problems like frostbite.

Frostbite is a condition in which your body experiences damages on the skin. These damages can reach your bone also. Extreme cold is the main cause of frostbite. Severe cases of frostbite can even result in loss of limbs.

In order to avoid such a situation, you should always wear proper clothes while you go out during winters. It will be better if you can cover each and every part of your body. This will keep you warm and reduce the chances of frostbite and common cold. 

●Wear proper footwear:  Freezing temperature and snow leads to hazardous walking conditions as a result of which chances of getting injured by falling increases during winter months. You can avoid these injuries by wearing proper shoes.

Always wear water resistant shoes with good traction and non-skid soles when walking outside during the winter months

Seniors can engage in a lot of meaningful activities for keeping themselves active during the winter months. 

However, they are at greater risks of diseases compared to the young adults. They should take necessary precautions for safeguarding themselves from the ill effects of winter months.