Beating the Winter Blues

Winter can be a magical time for many with crisp fresh days and and cosying up for dark nights but let’s be honest, the cold weather can bring its own set of challenges, especially for our cherished older friends and family.

Here at Kingfishers Care Home, we’re all about keeping our residents feeling like the stars of the season – warm, bright, and full of life!

The Impact of Winter on Elderly Well-being

Winter can stiffen up joints and heighten aches and pains, which can make movement harder than it might usually be for elderly people – particularly if they already live with arthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions. This is something to keep an eye on, as this can affect the wellbeing of residents greatly without some extra support.

We understand that keeping our Kingfishers moving is key, so we team up with local specialists to design fun, gentle activities tailored to each person’s abilities. This could be anything from (foam) ball games in the living room to chair stretches and lots more, as long as it keeps bodies feeling looser and spirits high.

Winter aches and pains aren’t the only ailments that can have us feeling down in the colder months. The weather can affect our moods and mental health, particularly in older people who are often already susceptible to feelings of isolation and low mood. 

Social interaction can be incredibly mood-boosting and can help residents feel connected and valued – a fantastic way to help combat the effects of little sunlight and cold temperatures.

This doesn’t need to be limited to people inside the home either, regular visits from and planned activities with loved ones can further improve good moods, helping residents feel cherished. If in-person visits are not possible, supporting them to take video calls so they can spend quality time with their family and friends can be a great way to keep them feeling connected.

Activities such as storytelling, crafts and games can also help to not only promote socialisation but also increase mental stimulation, helping residents feel fulfilled and energised. We especially love movie nights, flower arranging and paper crafts.

Food and Nutrition

Nutritious and well-balanced diets become an even more crucial element of a resident’s well-being during the winter months.

With the increased likelihood of illnesses such as colds and flu during winter, a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can support a robust immune system and improve energy levels.

A combination of less sunlight and mobility issues stopping them from getting outside can leave elderly people with a lack of vitamin D so foods such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products and eggs can help address this seasonal nutrient need. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption which in turn supports bone health, something that we should all be aware of as we age.

Good nutrition can also help with maintaining a healthy weight. Excessive body weight can be detrimental to older people as their bodies live with years of wear and tear. A balanced diet can help manage weight by providing essential nutrients without excessive calories and can be even more important during the winter months when reduced physical activity can affect calorie expenditure.

Meal times can also provide a great opportunity to get everyone around the table and contribute to the feeling of togetherness, we’re firm believers that a good meal can taste even better in good company.

At Kingfishers, we pride ourselves on taking the individual needs of our residents and building an environment in which they can thrive, no matter the weather.

If you would like to know more about life at Kingfishers, or would like to speak to someone from our friendly team, please call 01628 520020 or drop by for a chat.