Beat the Winter Blues

February 2025: Let’s continue the discussion on How to Tackle the Wintertime Blues

Prioritize Mental Health

February can be challenging emotionally, as the cold days and nights seem even colder. Due to the lack of natural sunlight as disorder known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is common among older adults, which can lead to feelings of sadness, fatigue, and social withdrawal. Try incorporating sunlight into your day as much as possible. Even on cloudy days, exposure to daylight helps boost serotonin levels, which can improve mood.

Staying connected with friends, family, and community members is also important. Regular calls or video chats with loved ones, or even joining an online group, can help prevent isolation

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At Independence Manor, joining into the activity programs provided by our activity staff can help prevent SAD. There are so many different programs to try. We can help you pursue hobbies, join in on entertainment presentation, select reading materials or learn something new that can also keep the mind sharp and engaged.

If you prefer one-on-one discussions, our Licensed Social Worker/ Psychotherapist can help with adjusting to a new environment, changing life situations and provide recommendations on how to fight those winter blues. 

Stay Hydrated

During the winter months, it's easy to forget about drinking enough water, especially when it's cold outside. However, staying hydrated is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and other health issues, particularly for seniors. Think about drinking at least eight glasses of water a day, or include hydrating foods like soups, stews, and herbal teas into your daily diet.  However, when you are a resident at Independence Manor Assisted Living Community, we provide all of this. Also, take advantage of our Hydo-cart, which is taken to all the residents by our activity staff twice a day. There are plenty of hot or cold drinks to choose from to keep you hydrated and snacks.

Get Regular Health Check-Ups

Start the year off right by getting a complete check-up by your doctor. Regular check-ups can help catch any potential health issues early, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic conditions. It’s also a good opportunity to discuss any concerns, such as the effects of winter weather on mobility or how to stay healthy during the cold and flu season.

There are lots of wonderful physicians in the Flemington, N.J. area, but why not take advantage of having your doctor come to you at Independence Manor. In our senior living community, we have two geriatricians to select from who can provide your care in the comfort of our community.

Prepare for Emergencies

But why worry? Stay in the comforts of Independence Manor.

Winter weather can sometimes bring unpredictable conditions, such as icy sidewalks or snowstorms. Seniors should take extra precautions to prevent falls or accidents. If you have outdoor steps or walkways, ensure they are well-lit and free of ice. Wearing sturdy shoes with good grip can also help prevent slips.

At Independence Manor we are prepared for emergency situations like snow and ice. With the services that we have coming in to serve our seniors, you will never have to worry about venturing out into poor weather conditions. 

These services include a podiatrist, eye doctor, dentist, audiologist, x-ray and lab services to name a few. We also have Nursing staff around the clock. This includes staff on the night shift (11:00PM – 7:00 AM) to address any emergency, including medical emergencies during those hours. This is a very unique service we provide for our seniors that you may not find in other assisted living communities

Maintain Social Connections

The winter months can lead to a sense of isolation, especially if it’s harder to get out and about. Loneliness can affect both mental and physical health, so it’s important for seniors to stay connected. 

Consider making new friends at Independence Manor. Especially during these cold winter months, there are plenty of warm and inviting people here to meet. Not only are our residents friendly, but our staff will cater to your every whim. It’s all in the way we care approach with our seniors.

In conclusion, staying healthy in the winter months requires a combination of physical activity, nutritious eating, mental stimulation, and staying connected. We can help you at Independence Manor take those small, proactive steps, to maintain a high quality of life throughout the winter months and through the entire year. 

If any of these sounds enticing to you, please reach out to us and plan a tour. You will be delighted to hear more about our services at Independence Manor!