Walking is good for your health, as well as your mood. Daily morning and evening walks can positively impact your mental and physical health. It can be challenging, however, to take daily walks when it's cold since falling temperatures and earlier sunsets make it difficult to have a pleasant and safe walk.
Here are four tips to help seniors in Racine, Kenosha, Union Grove, and Pleasant Prairie, WI, to keep taking daily walks despite the cold.
Bundle Up to Stay Warm
The colder the temperature, the more you need to bundle up. Make sure that your clothes are thick enough and not too tight. You might also want to consider wearing an extra layer. This can feel significantly warmer when you're moving around. For example, a soft scarf or a knitted hat and gloves can go a long way toward keeping warm on a walk in colder weather. Loose, layered clothing is better than tight clothing for keeping warm. Therefore, make sure you're wearing loose-fitting clothes.
Wear Shoes With Good Traction
Tennis shoes are the ideal shoes for a regular walk. They, however, may not be the best option for colder days when snow or ice is on the ground. Shoes with rubber soles and tread can give you better traction. This grip can help prevent falls and slips on the ice. Additionally, shoes with heels are more stable when walking on snow or ice, so consider wearing these shoes.
Bring a Companion When Walking
In the winter, when it is snowing or freezing rain, try to walk with someone else. If you are alone and going on a walk, take a cell phone and make sure you can call for help if you need it. Senior Helpers provides companion care services in Racine. You can depend on our caregivers to help you stay safe during your walk.
If you slip or fall, your caregiver can get help or call 911. If you get into trouble, it will be better to have someone with you. It will be more likely that you can get help if you need it when with someone. It can also increase your enjoyment of the walk.
Carry a Spare Jacket
The weather can turn out to be colder than usual when you're planning on going for a walk. When this happens, bring along a jacket or sweater that you have on hand. You might be surprised by how cold it gets. This is especially important if you're going to a place where it might get colder later. You don't want to have to come back home and put on another jacket.
Our Companion Care Service
These tips will help you have safe and enjoyable daily morning and evening walks, despite the cold and the time of year. In Racine, Kenosha, Union Grove, and Pleasant Prairie, WI, Senior Helpers are worth a call for in-home senior care services. We prioritize providing our clients with a secure, loving, and compassionate environment, as well as regular communication and follow-up strategies that provide families peace of mind.
Contact us today to get started with our free, no-obligation in-home care interview to assist families in assessing the care options for a loved one.