Seasonal changes can affect key aspects of seniors’ lives in significant ways. Fluctuations in heat, cold, humidity, and precipitation can influence mood, mobility, nutrition, and more. In this post, we’ll discuss how weather affects seniors’ well-being in more depth. In the process, we’ll explore ways of helping seniors adjust to changes in weather, like home modifications, schedule adaptations, and enhancements to their daily routine.
Temperature Fluctuations
In both hot and cold weather, temperature changes can seriously affect mental and emotional well-being:
- In hot weather, seniors are more likely to retain heat than younger people, due to decreased circulation and sweating.
- Cold weather can exacerbate arthritis or affect coordination. It can also increase blood pressure, putting more strain on the heart.
- Memory problems can cause seniors to forget to prepare for going out in extreme weather, putting them at risk of dehydration or frostbite. Older adults are also more prone to hypothermia. Even indoors, seniors can easily get chilled when temperatures drop. Conditions like diabetes can contribute to this issue.
During hot or cold weather, take care not to spend too much time outdoors, especially alone. While inside, help seniors regulate their body temperature by maintaining a stable indoor temperature, offering warm or cold beverages, and keeping heated blankets handy in winter.
Mobility and Fall Risks
Cold weather brings safety hazards like ice and snow. Work to mitigate these issues with strategies like these:
- Putting non-slip treads on stairs and replacing throw rugs with low profile non-slip mats.
- Keeping steps and pathways well-shoveled and de-iced.
- Making sure handrails are sturdy and free of ice and snow.
- Having seniors wear shoes with non-slip bottoms.
Ideally, seniors will have daily visits from family, friends, or personal care aides who can keep these considerations in mind. In the interim, elder care technology, such as wearable devices and cameras can help keep seniors safe.
Hydration
In the winter, seniors may drink less water than they need to, since they don’t feel as thirsty. In summer, too, they may not always feel thirsty when they need to hydrate. In hot or cold weather, boost seniors’ water intake by offering a range of beverages like juice, herbal tea, or water with fruit in it.
Emotional Well-Being
Seniors can be at heightened risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). When weather conditions make it harder to see friends and family, or to spend time outdoors, seniors may feel isolated and depressed.
Here are some tips for boosting mood in the colder months:
- Consider light therapy. When it’s difficult or unsafe to get outside, sitting in front of a light box can be a mood lifter. You could also create a welcoming sitting area in a well-lit space.
- Encourage seniors to get exercise in safe ways. Try gentle yoga or exercises that support balance, for example.
- Continue to prepare well-balanced meals and spend time with friends and loved ones.
High levels of heat and humidity can also affect a senior’s mood. Lowered levels of physical activity, isolation, and the effects of heat itself can all undermine mental health, research shows. Further, some psychiatric medications can increase vulnerability to heat stroke or heat exhaustion, while heat itself can exacerbate mood disorders. Staying cool indoors, engaging in gentle exercise in the house, and finding ways to stay socially connected can promote wellness during warmer months.
Companionship care can support seniors’ well-being as weather and temperatures change. An elder care aide can follow the above strategies to help seniors stay safe and happy in any season.
Ready to explore how personal care can benefit your loved one? Schedule a free nurse consultation call.
