Staying warm in the winter seems like common sense, but it’s not always easy – especially for older adults. As we age, we become more sensitive to cold weather, meaning we feel cold more easily and find it more difficult to warm ourselves back up. Fortunately, there are many measures to take to avoid freezing that involve more than just grabbing an extra blanket at night to bundle up. Our assisted living team at UMC at Bristol Glen has compiled some of the best tips on how seniors can stay warm this winter.
#1 – Seal up leaks
and drafts. Stopping the
heat from leaking out of your home is one of the best ways to stay warm and
save on your energy bill at the same time. Small fixes to seal up gaps in the
heating system, fireplace, windows, and doors can make an impressive
difference, and they’re affordable to do too. If you want to make sure your
home or a loved one’s home is as weathertight as possible, ask your town or
utility company if they perform energy audits, as this is a useful way of
seeing where heating energy is being wasted.
#2 –
Insulate. Installing
good-quality insulation is another affordable, passive way to keep your home
warm. Good quality insulation is important to have in the ceiling, attic,
basement walls, flooring above vented crawl spaces, and between interior walls.
Some insulation, like roofing and crawl space insulation, is very quick and
easy to install and makes a big difference when it comes to heating the home in
winter. It’s also worth it to install thick, heavy drapes over windows, as
glass tends to let in the cold quite easily.
#3 – Set the
thermostat correctly. Energy
for heating is expensive, but being cold is never the answer. Anyone can stay
warm and maximize energy efficiency at the same time by setting their
thermostat correctly. Ideally, it should be between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Any lower than 68 can be dangerous for seniors, and the effects of a colder
room can be difficult to notice until it causes a serious problem. If you or a
loved one want to save more energy, think about installing a smart thermostat
that heats the space as needed according to the temperature of the day. Smart
thermostats can also be used to set the most comfortable temperature zones in
the rooms that are used most often.
#4 – Layer
clothing. Layers allow us
to adjust our clothing as the temperature of the day and our activity levels
change. They also help to trap heat more effectively, keeping it close to the
body. This is especially important for seniors with poor circulation and low
blood pressure. A basic layer of flannel or cotton should be the base layer, as
it wicks away moisture. Over that, you can wear a heavier long-sleeved top and
a sweater, followed by a coat for going outdoors. Remember to combine this with
good thick socks, gloves, and winter hats, as our extremities tend to feel the
cold much more severely.
#5 – Stay active. Being active in winter is no easy feat,
but it is the best possible thing for boosting circulation, warming the body,
and strengthening the immune system. If you are concerned that outdoor
exercises may be too much of a fall hazard for your senior loved one, look into
community recreation centers and gyms offering classes for seniors. These
spaces enforce health and safety regulations and are kept at a comfortable
temperature all year round, so that seniors can enjoy yoga, water aerobics,
dance classes, walking on the treadmill, or swimming whatever the weather.
A sense of
community at our CCRC in Sussex County
UMC at Bristol Glen is
one of the leading CCRCs in Sussex County. We offer a beautiful, warm, and
welcoming space for seniors, whether you have just retired or are looking for
additional care. Our experienced staff works tirelessly to meet the social,
medical, and wellness needs of every resident, to create a full and abundant
life.
For more information on Bristol Glen and how we measure up to other communities offering senior living in Sussex County NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/
Original content posted on https://bristolglen.umcommunities.org/bristol-glen/5-ways-seniors-can-stay-warm-this-winter/
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