Winter is here! Cold weather and darker days often result in older adults staying at home more and participating in fewer activities.

Yet keeping active during winter is just as important as during the summer, especially since the “winter blues” can be common during colder months. Shortened daylight hours and less time outside can interrupt the body’s natural rhythm, resulting in mood changes, low energy and fatigue for some people.

Staying active and engaged can help beat the winter blues. Being socially connected with family members, friends and neighbors has a positive impact on our health and well-being. Having meaningful relationships that create a sense of belonging and purpose is one of the best ways to prevent feelings of loneliness, sadness and isolation.

Studies show that social connectedness has many benefits, leading to longer lives and better mental and physical health. It can help reduce or lessen the likelihood of conditions like heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, stress and anxiety. In addition, it can promote healthy eating and physical activity, and improve attitude, sleep and quality of life.

Some ideas for staying active this winter include:

–Participating in activities at your local senior center or with a seniors group

–Scheduling weekly get-togethers with friends or neighbors

–Joining an indoor walking group, local fitness center or health club

–Spending time on hobbies and interests that you enjoy

–Taking a class with a friend where you learn something new

–Volunteering in your local community or with your church

–Arranging frequent calls and visits with family members

Along with keeping mentally and physically active, staying safe and healthy during winter is important. Some seniors avoid going outside due to concerns about falling, slipping or driving on icy roads. Shoveling driveways and sidewalks can be a challenge.

Look for opportunities to make life simpler. One option is joining a senior living community for a few months during the winter. Benedictine The Meadows in Garrison invites older adults to move into its independent living community for a “short stay,” such as during the winter season, with no long-term commitment required. Adults can stay independent and active while enjoying a fully furnished apartment, meals and housekeeping, along with transportation, game room, social activities, wellness programs, church services, therapy and more. Snow removal and maintenance are included.

The “short-stay” program is also a great option for people who’ve just finished a hospital stay and need more time to heal and recuperate before returning home. They appreciate having meals, housekeeping and chores taken care of, as well as convenient access to on-site therapy, rehab and nurse services if needed, so they can regain strength and return home with confidence to live independently.

“Winter in North Dakota can be long and isolating. We’ve found that companionship with others and staying busy with a variety of activities helps boost the mental and physical well-being of our neighbors (residents),” explains Jessica Hieber, manager at The Meadows. “Since we provide transportation, it is a big relief to our neighbors to know they can still get to appointments and run errands without the worry of navigating snowy roads.”

The good news is, each passing day brings us closer to the longer, lighter days of spring.

We wish everyone a safe, enjoyable winter and holiday season, and a happy new year.