For some, wintertime means cozying up by the fire with a good book and a cup of tea. For others, it means layering up to enjoy an outside adventure with family friends. However you prefer to spend the season, winter can offer activities that promote physical and mental wellness.
At Origin Active Lifestyle Communities, we are committed to promoting healthy aging through nutrition, social wellness, and active lifestyles. Each of our communities offers programs for our community members to enjoy—even during the cold Canadian winters! Continue reading for ideas to stay active (and safe) this winter.
Winter Safety Tips
Before you step outside into the winter wonderland, it’s essential to understand the health and safety risks that winter brings that don’t exist during the rest of the year. With Canadian winters being notoriously cold, hypothermia and frostbite pose significant risks to older adults. So each time you go outside, make sure you are dressed in warm, moisture-wicking layers and that every part of your body is covered, especially your fingers, toes, head, and ears.
With all the snow and ice, winter also presents an increased risk of falls in older adults. Fortunately, Origin communities ensure every walkway and outdoor area is clear of any ice or debris for our members to get around safely. We advise our community members on fall prevention which includes wearing non-slip shoes and protecting canes or walkers with rubber tips.
Winter Activities That Promote Healthy Aging
Get The Blood Flowing
When it’s cold and dreary outside, it can be tempting to stay inside and curl up. While this is certainly okay to do at times, it’s also important to get up and get moving.
You don’t have to go outside to get exercise, though! Our Origin communities have indoor wellness centres, where community members can exercise on their own or join our group classes and programs. All of our exercise classes are inclusive and accessible to individuals of all abilities.
Take a Dip
Origin at Longwood in Nanaimo has an indoor pool, which means community members can do beneficial exercises during winter without worrying about cold temperatures.
Swimming and water aerobics are some of the best and safest exercises for older adults. Pools provide a safe, low-impact exercise space that prevents falls, reduces stress on joints, and creates a fun environment!
Strike a (Yoga) Pose
Yoga, Tai Chi, and simple stretching are also valuable exercises that are safe and low-impact. While there’s something special about doing a sun salutation outside in the sun, yoga and Tai Chi can be done anytime, anywhere!
You can follow an online video in your apartment or join your neighbours and friends at a guided yoga session at an Origin community.
Have a Friendly Competition
Who says winter activities promoting healthy aging have to be exercise? There are plenty of other fun and engaging activities that encourage social, physical, and mental wellness.
For example, each of our communities features game and recreation rooms that include pool tables, virtual bowling, games, and puzzles. All of these activities can foster social connections, promote cognitive functioning, and enhance motor skills.
Bundle Up and Go on a Walk
As cold and snowy as winter can be, it can also be beautiful and peaceful. Bundle up and go on a walk! This is a great way to get out of the house and get your blood flowing.
Winter walks are also a great way to get some exposure to natural sunlight, which can help in preventing seasonal affective disorder. Of course, if you decide to go outside on a walk, be sure to follow our tips for dressing safely.
Fun and Safe Winters at Origin
At Origin, we are dedicated to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle all year long. Our amenities, programs, and services ensure that our community members get the connection and engagement they deserve, on top of the care and attention they need. Here, every day has something new and exciting to try!
To discover more about Origin Active Lifestyle Communities and how we promote healthy aging, we encourage you to visit our website!