Executive Summary: How Independent Living Combats Winter Blues
Loneliness and isolation in the winter: How cold gray days can be harmful for seniors living alone
How can solo seniors get the upper hand and fend off the winter blues?
Even better: beat the blues all year long in independent living!
St. Mark Village is waiting to give you a warm welcome, and a very bright future!
Executive Summary: How to Independent Living Combats Winter Blues
- Stay active and eat healthy meals.
- Connect with friends and family as much as possible.
- Find a new purpose through volunteering and helping others.
- Keep the lights on.
- Consider how the warmth, wellness, and community of independent living can brighten your world every season of the year!
While winter blues can be very real for seniors living alone, surrounding yourself with the warmth, wellness, and community of independent living can brighten your world every season of the year!
Loneliness and isolation in the winter: How cold, gray days can be harmful for seniors living alone
Low temperatures and loneliness can be a dangerous combination for seniors living alone. It’s hard to get out and about when the streets and sidewalks are slick with moisture. There’s nothing pleasant about facing a fierce north wind when your joints are feeling stiff or achy from arthritis or simply from sitting too much.
And being alone all the time can rob you of the warmth of the company of friends and family members who cannot visit as often due to poor driving conditions or illness.
All of this can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that can affect anyone, especially those over the age of 55. It’s a reminder of the dangers of living alone—and how loneliness and isolation can chip away at mental, physical, and emotional health.
Plus, missing out on the activity, wellness, and inspiration that makes life interesting is just plain boring. You deserve more from your retirement!
How can solo seniors get the upper hand and fend off the winter blues?
Here are just a few suggestions:
Get moving.
Even if you find yourself stuck indoors, it’s important to stay active. Try some yoga; simple stretches and breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety. Tai chi is another way to avoid the stiffness that comes from sitting still for long periods of time. Lift some hand weights or even soup cans. And if the sun does come out and the sidewalks are dry, take a walk and breathe in some fresh air.
Eat wisely.
Avoid those tempting foods and liquids that make you “blue”, such as sugary treats, carbohydrates or too much alcohol. Think smaller, nutritious meals or snacks that fuel energy. A banana with nut butter. Trail mix. Yogurt with walnuts. A hard-boiled egg. Maybe a protein smoothie.
Related: 7 Nutrition Tips for Seniors Who Want to Eat Healthy Without Sacrificing Flavor
Catch up with friends and family.
If possible, get together with the people you love. If driving conditions make that difficult or they live across the country, consider a video chat, phone call, or text. Just regularly making a connection with another person can go a long way for seniors living alone; aiding in the protection against serious illness and disease and helping each person live longer and healthier.
Find a new purpose.
There’s a lot to be said for feeling wanted and useful, especially when it comes to finding ways to counter loneliness and isolation. Volunteering is a great example. The Mayo Clinic reports that volunteering improves physical and mental health, provides a sense of purpose, and nurtures new relationships. It’s also a great way to expand your circle of friends as well as your support system. Sharing goals brings you closer to one another and gives you something to look forward to when you get up each morning.
Related: Giving Back: Volunteering Opportunities for Seniors in Their Community
Turn on the lights.
One major reason why so many people experience winter blues is the lack of natural light. Seniors living alone often don’t realize the importance of keeping those lamps turned on, and they may also be hesitant to go outdoors on a sunny day if walking is hazardous. One suggestion is a light box, which mimics outdoor light. There are several types, so consulting your family physician first is a good idea.
Even better: beat the blues all year long in independent living!
Imagine for a moment that snow or cold rain is blowing outside, the streets are nasty, and it feels like the sun will never come back.
Now, think about how bright and cheerful your world could be if you were a resident of independent living surrounded by warm companionship, inspired wellness programs, and countless ways to brighten every moment, all in a location with year-round sunshine?
That’s exactly what St. Mark Village offers you.
As a Life Care community, St. Mark Village not only can offer you an inspired, active lifestyle, we also offer you the peace of mind of a full continuum of care: independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. That means every day, no matter the season, the weather, or the day of the week, you will have everything you need for the life you love. With no worries about future care needs.
Having such peace of mind will keep you warm all over! So will the full calendar of activities designed to stimulate your mind and your curiosity, both at St. Mark Village as well as in Palm Harbor. The comprehensive wellness program that fits your life. Exceptional dining that combines nutrition with good taste. And your stylish independent living apartment that wraps you in cozy warmth and comfort all year long!
And speaking of Palm Harbor, just ask many of our residents who chose our perfect location for their retirement. They love the year-round sunshine, the endless list of natural areas, attractions, festivals, special events, cultural activities, and more that are easily accessible and close by.
Related: Seasonal Migration No More: 5 Reasons Why a Permanent Move to Florida Makes Sense.
St. Mark Village is waiting to give you a warm welcome, and a very bright future!
Don’t let winter blues, or worries about the dangers of living alone, or other negative thoughts get in the way of the retirement you deserve. Choose a lifestyle that’s bright with possibility for today, as well as seamless access to future care options for tomorrow. We’d love to talk to you!
You deserve more! Find out how independent living at St. Mark Village is making life brighter for so many residents. Download our free guide and then come see us to take a personalized tour.
