The top 3 reasons why winter is the perfect time to consider senior living

Anyone who loves a senior understands the importance of being informed on senior issues, and so do we. Our Milestone Magazine posts are meant to help seniors and their families as they learn and transition together through the physical and emotional changes brought on by aging.

For many parts of the country, winter’s low temperatures, potentially dangerous weather conditions, and early nightfall are enough to make it America’s least favorite season. But for seniors, Jack Frost’s hijinks can do more than cost him a  popularity contest. Here are the top 3 reasons why winter is the perfect time to consider senior living:

#1 – Safety

Winter can mean rain, frost, ice, and snow, all of which can lead to hazardous driving conditions and an increased fall risk. According to The National Institutes of Health, 1.6 million older adults go to the emergency room each year due to fall-related injuries, and chances for falls in cold weather increases significantly after age 65.  And, it should come as no surprise that, according to the Journal of Community Health, seniors who live alone face a higher fall risk than those who live in a community setting, potentially because of  senior living communities’ maintenance-free lifestyle, and on-site staff.

#2 – Nutrition

 Raise your hand if you want to trudge out into the cold to go to the grocery store! No takers? …. That’s what we thought. In the winter, keeping a kitchen stocked with healthy food becomes even more of a chore, especially if you live in an area that doesn’t have easy access to fresh produce year-round. As a result, seniors face an even higher risk of malnutrition in the winter months. Most senior living communities take the guess-work out of staying well-fed by including meals that are prepared with senior nutrition guidelines in mind and served on-site. 

#3 – Socialization

After multiple studies on the impact of socialization on seniors’ mental and physical health, the results are in: socialization leads to a better quality of life.  So what does that mean for seniors who “get out” less during the winter months? Seniors who live alone face heightened risks of seasonal affective disorder and clinical depression.  Compare that to senior living options that offer full activity calendars and a myriad of social opportunities that can lead to a heightened sense of purpose and improved physical and mental health. (Plus, who doesn’t love beating their neighbor at a game of Bingo?)

So what are you waiting for? If you or someone you love is considering senior living, now is the time to make a move! Find a Milestone Retirement community near you to get started.