Tips To Help Seniors Avoid Loneliness In The Winter

Many seniors who are active and social during warmer weather find themselves facing loneliness in the winter. When the winter weather is bad, friends and family may not be able to visit often. And seniors often are stuck at home during the winter because of mobility challenges or because the weather is too cold for them to go out safely.

Being alone during the winter can increase a senior’s risk of developing depression. And social isolation has been linked to a greater risk of serious health problems like heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure in seniors.

Companion care at home is a great solution. With companion care at home seniors get regular visits from a companion who can play games and do activities with seniors, share their meals, and provide conversation and friendship. Seniors that are living alone can thrive at home with companion care.

Seniors can also use these tips to get more social interaction and avoid loneliness this winter:

Look Into Community Outreach Programs

Lots of communities offer outreach programs designed to help seniors engage and connect with other people. The local senior center and library are great places to contact about outreach programs, clubs, and other opportunities for seniors to socialize in the winter.

Stay Active

Exercise can help seniors maintain their health and have a positive attitude. Even though the weather may be bad seniors can stay active by joining a gym or participating in streaming workouts that they can do at home. Seniors may also want to have a treadmill or stationary bike at home.

Volunteering

Seniors can volunteer from home so they don’t need to go out in the winter. There are lots of ways that seniors can do volunteer work from home that will provide social interaction and engagement. Making phone calls, chatting online, and participating in events through video chats are all great ways that volunteering can keep seniors from being lonely.

Reach Out To Friends And Family

With video chat technology that is easily accessible seniors can visit with their faraway friends and family friends anytime. A video chat isn’t as great as a visit, but seeing and talking to their loved ones can do wonders for a senior’s mental health. Seniors can use the same technology to take virtual classes, join online clubs, and make friends online.

Learn New Hobbies

Winter is the perfect time for seniors to try a new hobby. With tutorials on YouTube seniors can learn how to knit, paint, make pottery, or do other activities that interest them. Working on a new hobby is a fantastic way for seniors to keep busy and be engaged all winter.

Reach Out to Neighbors

Building relationships with neighbors is an excellent way to create a sense of community. Seniors can organize neighborhood get-togethers, participate in local events, or simply strike up conversations with those living nearby.

Create a Winter Routine

Establishing a routine helps combat feelings of isolation. Seniors can plan regular activities, such as attending a weekly class, going for a walk, or having a coffee date with a friend. Having a structured routine provides a sense of purpose and consistency.

Talk To A Professional

Seniors that are struggling with feelings of depression or loneliness should schedule an appointment with a mental health professional. Medication, talk therapy, or other treatments can help seniors who are struggling with depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder.