Winter in Ireland is a gloomy time of year. The dark days can be lonely and it’s easy to get sick or have weather related accidents. Each winter, vulnerable people are more susceptible to hospital visits which can put pressure on emergency departments and acute hospitals.

Cold air and gloomy skies can make anyone feel less cheerful during the winter months. However, depression can have an outsized effect on seniors and their long-term mental health. Creating opportunities for socialization and finding joyful moments isn’t just for fun – it can help foster critical connection and combat loneliness. There are a variety of uplifting activities that can be enjoyed during the winter months. These include movie nights, and getting outside on a rare sunny day.

It’s important for everyone to stay safe this winter, but it is particularly important for older adults so stay safe. Older adults can lose body heat fast—faster than when they were young. Changes in your body that come with aging can make it harder for you to be aware of getting cold. A big chill can turn into a dangerous problem before an older person even knows what’s happening. Doctors call this serious problem hypothermia.

Hypothermia is a medical condition that occurs when your body temperature drops below 35°C. When this happens, the body’s internal organs don’t work properly. This can cause serious health problems, such as heart failure.

Older adults are especially at risk for developing hypothermia. This is because their bodies are not as efficient at regulating temperature and they may be more vulnerable to the cold due to age-related changes in body composition, such as reduced muscle mass. Older adults may also lack the awareness of how to protect themselves from the cold and may not recognize early signs of hypothermia, such as confusion or shivering.

The best way to keep older adults safe this winter is to prevent hypothermia before it starts. This means dressing warmly in layers and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially when windy or wet. It’s also important to ensure that the home is adequately

1. Wrap up warm – Make sure you wrap up well when going out, as cold weather can increase the risk of illnesses such as colds and flu. Wear several layers of clothing to help keep your body temperature steady and wear a hat, scarf and gloves when necessary

2. Eat well – Eating nutritious meals is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Choose nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to stay energized and help ward off winter illnesses.

3. Stay active – Regular exercise can help boost your immune system, reduce stress and make you feel better in general. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking or cycling, for five days a week.

4. Get enough sleep – Lack of sleep can make you more susceptible to illnesses. Aim for seven to nine hours of good quality sleep each night and try to stick to regular sleeping patterns throughout the winter months.

5. Stay social – Socializing with family and friends can help reduce stress and make you feel more connected. Try to arrange regular catch-ups with people, whether virtually or in person, depending on the local restrictions. Doing activities together such as online quizzes, walks or watching a movie are all great ways to pass the time and stay social during the winter months

By following these tips, older adults can stay healthy and safe during the winter months. It’s important to take care of yourself in order to avoid any illnesses or health risks caused by cold weather. Stay warm, eat nutritiously and enjoy the company of family and friends this winter!

Our goal is to provide uplifting home care that benefits those who need caring and their families. tailor-made home care services and packages cover a wide range of services from basic home help and befriending to advanced nursing care and supported hospital discharge.

Our home care service doesn’t stop at providing nurses or carers. Myhomecare can offer routine medical services such as vaccinations or pharmacy delivery in the comfort of your own home. We also work with medical practitioners and suppliers to provide a wide range of supportive solutions such as home adaptations, essential medical supplies and partnership with your primary care team.

So if you are looking for someone to assist you with shopping, 24 homecare packages or nursing care for a loved one, contact us today here.

Isaac Care’s aim is to lower hospital visits as care can be given at home instead. Isaac’s early intervention at the first sign of declining health prevents the need for hospital admissions, creates a reduction in readmission rates and reduces demand for GP visits.

Isaac Fall Alarm connects to the Isaac Care app providing real time updates to families. It ensures there is help when you need it, whenever you need it. It is also a GPS enabled fall alarm and is ideal for people of all ages who are concerned about their wellbeing and safety both at home, and while out and about. You can find out more about the Isaac Care Fall Alarm here.