As we get older, it is crucial to keep warm as illness bugs and cold weather can affect us more than usual. But did you know that alongside health-related risks, winter increases social isolation amongst the elderly due to fear of the cold or difficulty traveling, which can impact physical and mental health.
At St Mary’s Day Care Centre, it is our mission to create a space in which the elderly can stay safe, warm and happy in the winter. So, as we wave goodbye to autumn, here are our top winter wellness tips and how our Kingston-based Adult Day Care Centre can help you or your loved ones this winter.
1. Stay Warm Indoors
Try to heat your home – or the rooms you use the most – to a comfortable temperature, usually around 18° Celsius (or 64°F) is ideal. In the rooms you don’t often use, consider turning off radiators to save on energy costs. You should also layer up with cosy clothes and blankets to aid circulation as clothes trap warm air and help your body to regulate its temperature.
How can St Mary’s Day Care Centre help?
If you are looking for a change of scene that is still warm, welcoming and homely, our door is always open for new members!
2. Keep Moving
Keeping active in the winter is good for your physical and mental health, as it not only helps to boost your mood and trigger the release of endorphins, but it also helps maintain joint health, encourage strength and mobility and support your immune system. If you struggle to walk, consider trying some gentle chair-based activities while sitting or holding onto the back of a chair.
How can St Mary’s Day Care Centre help?
We offer gentle yoga and light exercises as part of our weekly activities. Performing gentle exercises in a group setting can help you to keep motivated and nurture a sense of community. We also give our members access to expert guidance from our yoga instructors.
3. Eat Well
In the winter it is important to maintain a healthy and vitamin-packed diet, even when it’s cold and hard to stay motivated. Balanced meals, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, can help to maintain energy, support your immune system and stay warm. It is especially important to have hot meals, such as soup and stews, and hot drinks.
How can St Mary’s Day Care Centre help?
Our Day Care Centre offers a warm, nutritious two-course lunch for those that may want it. Our menu is full of British classics for our members to enjoy and plenty of biscuits and cake to enjoy over a cup of tea!
4. Stay Social
Our Day Care Centre offers a warm, nutritious two-course lunch for those that may want it. Our menu is full of British classics for our members to enjoy and plenty of biscuits and cake to enjoy over a cup of tea!
How can St Mary’s Day Care Centre help?
The idea behind founding St Mary’s Day Care Centre was to offer a local, community-orientated space for the elderly to stay social, try out new hobbies and stay connected with the outside world. From puzzles and bingo to karaoke and gentle yoga, find something social for you this winter at our Adult Day Care Centre!
Want to know more about how our Adult Day Care Centre can help you stay warm and connected this winter? Call us at 0208 549 1651 or email us at info@marysteam.co.uk. Want to visit in person? Find us at 12 Eden Street, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1BB for a chat and a cup of tea!
