Thrive in winter by taking these actions in September
Although it may still be hot outside, winter is quickly approaching.
While the season can be grueling for almost everyone, it can create additional challenges if you’re over age 65 or have co-morbidities.
Shorter days with less sunlight can negatively impact your mood and activity levels, while hazardous weather can increase the risk of injury. But the season’s most significant impacts stem from its cold conditions.
As temperatures drop, the prevalence of viral illnesses tends to increase. Older adults “are more susceptible to infectious illnesses and can have worse outcomes,” says Kate Stewart, a certified physician assistant at Bon Secours Primary Care Pelham. This includes developing pneumonia and other complications from the flu, as well as the exacerbation of chronic conditions.
This susceptibility stems from age-related changes in the immune system. One is inflammaging, “a chronic inflammatory state that is considered a major risk factor for many age-related diseases,” Stewart says. The other is immunosenescence—the “gradual deterioration of the immune system with age.”
Poor sleep habits can also impact your ability to fight illnesses. “Although older adults need seven to nine hours of sleep, they don’t sleep as well. Deep sleep is when your immune system does its job, but it naturally declines with age,” Stewart says.
Cold weather can exacerbate existing ailments, including asthma, COPD, psoriasis, arthritis, and Raynaud’s disease.
The cold can also increase the risk of heart attacks, partly because it “constricts your blood vessels, so your heart must pump harder against them,” Stewart says, adding that holiday stress and daily schedule changes can contribute to the higher frequency of heart attacks and strokes in the winter.
You can increase your chances of staying healthy by getting the flu shot and other recommended vaccines, boosting your immune system, finding ways to stay active and socialize, and preparing your home. “There are many aspects of health and aging that you can’t control, so it’s important to control what you can and to do what you can to reduce risk,” Stewart says.
First, schedule an annual wellness visit if you haven’t had one yet this year. Covered by Medicare Part B, it’s a great way to discuss winter wellness with your primary care provider.
“Even if you already have an upcoming appointment for a specific reason, you can call your doctor’s office and add the annual Medicare wellness check. Most offices will, especially if they know ahead of time,” Stewart says.
Many of Bon Secours’ primary care providers are accepting new patients. For a list, visit the Find a Doctor website: bonsecours.com/find-a-doctor. You can narrow your search by zip code, accepted insurance plans, and more.
Are You Ready for Winter?
Seniors can enjoy a safe, healthy, and fulfilling winter by adhering to one of Stewart’s favorite sayings: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Noting that you should always consult your healthcare provider first, she recommends taking the following proactive measures to get winter-ready:
- Get the flu shot at your doctor’s office or local drugstore, ideally in September or “definitely by the end of October,” she says, adding that it takes about two weeks to become fully effective.
- Get the RSV vaccine, recommended for people aged 60 to 74 with co-morbidities and for those 75 and older. Stewart also advises receiving the Tdap booster if it has been 10 years since your last shot, along with the pneumococcal and shingles vaccines.
- Exercise within your abilities, which can help with “mood, bowel movements, chronic pain, sleep, and more,” Stewart says, adding that Bon Secours HealThy Self is a good option for seniors. Staffed medical professionals at the membership-based facility, located at Bon Secours’ St. Francis Millennium Campus, help ensure exercise safety. A free resource is the Bon Secours Well Walkers, held Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
- If you struggle with mental health, join the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Greenville’s connection support group virtually or in person on Monday evenings and every other Saturday. “Older adults are already at a high risk for depression, regardless of the season,” Stewart says, pointing to sleep problems, social isolation, physical limitations, and financial stressors as contributing factors.
- Take your time, avoid unnecessary risks, and consider using a cane or walker in crowded areas, even if you aren’t compliant with using them at home, as these can help prevent falls and help crowds respect your personal space. “Once you fall, it doubles your chances of falling again,” Stewart says.
