Planning a Winter Wellness Week in Senior Housing
Winter can be an exciting time for adventurous souls. The white and pure snow can create a beautiful scenery and backdrop, perfect for the holidays. But this can also be a challenging time, especially for seniors and those living in assisted living Ashland, Nebraska.
The colder temperatures and limited outside activities can lead to isolation and depression. Some restrictions due to the harsh weather can affect mental, emotional, and physical health, affecting overall well-being.
Senior adults must combat these challenges through Winter Wellness Week, which focuses on all aspects of wellness: physical, mental, emotional, and social. In addition to adapting, it is important to stick to your routine to ensure a safe and healthy winter.
Creating a winter planner can help seniors in assisted living Ashland, NE, prepare, identify challenges, and devise remedies to these issues. A winter planner helps schedule activities, serves as a written guide on what to eat, and shows how to stay mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially healthy throughout the winter.
Key activities to include:
Physical Wellness
- Always start your day with light stretches like arm circles, ankle circles, neck rolls, or torso twists. You can also dedicate a couple of minutes to meditation or yoga. Then, incorporate breathing and relaxation exercises to help reduce blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and alleviate pain.
- Do the house chores as you always do. Clean and organize your personal space, or clean the common area with fellow residents.
- If possible, go for a short walk outside with friends. But dress appropriately and be extra careful to avoid slips and winter-related injuries.
Medication, Diet, and Nutrition
- Eat healthy food. If vegetables and fruits are scarce, look for healthy alternatives. Choose leaner proteins, whole grains, legumes, or fortified foods. Also, choose options with less sodium and sugar.
- Stay hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks. Instead, drink the required number of glasses of water daily. Drink warm tea, soups, or hot chocolate to promote senior wellness.
- Take vitamins and supplements like Vitamin C, turmeric, garlic, and Vitamin D.
- Drink medication on time.
- Do not miss doctor’s appointments.
Social Activities in Assisted Living Ashland NE
- Attend activities in assisted living Ashland, NE, such as art classes, cooking events, exercise programs, and movie nights to acquire new skills and foster connections among residents.
- Join clubs of interest, such as book clubs, singing and dancing, community outreach, and programs. Engaging in activities and games can stimulate the mind and improve cognitive function.
- Socializing also improves mood and helps reduce stress.
- Social interaction helps combat feelings of isolation.
Emotional
Healthy habits, such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough rest and sleep, meditation, and socialization, contribute to better emotional health.
Write what you intended to do on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and the whole week. Monday can be for indoor activities and art classes. Tuesday for outdoor activities and so on.
Keep it simple and avoid overscheduling. Always have a contingency plan for unexpected changes. You can use your old-school journal or digital calendar for easy access and convenient notifications.
Have a Happy, Festive Season in Assisted Living Ashland NE
Commit to these suggested wellness activities and strategies to improve mood and immunity. With these simple-to-follow planning examples, seniors are set for a healthier and happier holiday season.
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