It’s not uncommon for seniors to have increased pain in their joints and muscles during the winter. Doctors will tell you that there are more prescriptions written for aches and pains during colder temperatures than other times of the year. Some say it’s cold weather, and some say it’s barometric pressure. Whatever it is, we’re offering some helpful tips for reducing joint pain and discomfort in seniors….
1. Wear layers. There are many seniors who still love to be outdoors for fresh air and exercise. Dressing in layers helps prevent joint pain and keep the body warm so you can move freely. If you get too warm, simply shed one layer. There’s no reason healthy seniors can’t get outside to enjoy winter walks and other activities!
2. Eat a good diet. Getting the proper nutrients in your food has all kinds of wonderful benefits, not the least of which is preventing joint pain. Seniors are no exception to this rule. In fact, they need these healthy vitamins and minerals, fiber and protein, more now than ever! Eating a healthy diet will also keep blood sugars normal, stave off anxiety, give energy, and yes—it also prevents pain in the body!
3. Go for a massage. All of us know how relaxing gentle massage can be. There are great benefits from it, such as working out joint and muscles pain from arthritis or injury, as well as helping posture and flexibility. An aging body needs to stay flexible and massage is a fantastic way to help with that. Just make sure the therapist is licensed in your state
4. Keep moving. If it’s too cold to venture outside for activities, be sure to do some things indoors to help you stay active. Treadmills, yoga and other forms of indoor exercise can be very helpful during the cold winter months. If the senior in your life needs to lose weight, exercise will not only help them get healthier, but the weight loss will significantly lessen joint pain
5. Take your vitamins! Along with a great multi-vitamin, be sure to think about Vitamin D while it’s cold outside. Most Americans don’t get enough of it, since much of it comes from being in the sunshine. Vitamin can also be taken by supplements, but it’s best when it comes from your food. Along with good fats and protein, Vitamin D helps keep joints moving.
6. Use heat. There’s nothing quite like heat to help you feel better and take away aches and pains. Make sure you stay warm. Other forms of heat include using a heating pad on sore joints, soaking in a hot bath, using a hot water bottle, or swimming in heated pools. Just make sure that if you are using heat as therapy, that you don’t use it more than 20 minutes at a time.
Listen to your body! Give it what it needs, and it will serve you for many years to come! For more tips and info on improving joint pain, call us today!