Winter at V!VA Oakville: Indoor Activities and Safety Tips for Seniors
Published on January 31, 2020
Winter can be a very difficult season for most people, and seniors are especially susceptible to issues related to their mood, health, and well-being. But finding ways for seniors to enjoy their time indoors, maintaining their health through proper nutrition, ensuring their safety, and encouraging them to socialize in fun ways is easy at the right retirement community. Here are some important ways our retirement home in Oakville can provide support for your loved one, as well as some valuable winter safety tips for seniors.
Indoor Activities and Events at V!VA Oakville
Personalized Fitness Classes
V!VAfit is a great way for seniors to feel their best and have fun during the winter. The indoor classes for cardio, balance, flexibility, and strength help them get the most out of every day and energize them to reduce stress and ward off seasonal depression. At V!VA Oakville, our winter activities for seniors are designed to keep our Community Members healthy in mind, body, and soul.
Wellness Amenities
Seniors at our retirement home in Oakville can enjoy a heated indoor saltwater pool, a stretch room for do-it-yourself yoga, Pilates, and other fitness classes, as well as a massage therapy room, and even a salon. These amenities help seniors stay active and allow them to do something fun with their peers. There are also activities in our Brain Gym, which features computers with Internet access, a library of books, puzzles, and games to support their emotional wellness.
Lectures and Classes for Good Health
Cooking and baking demonstrations, knitting and sewing classes, lectures on historical and current events by local experts, group trips to museums and art galleries, and visits to the library are just some of the many indoor activities available to seniors who live at our retirement community in Oakville.
Giving Back to the Community
Seniors love to contribute, whether it’s giving advice from their years of experience or helping someone in need. Some of the ways that seniors can give back in our Oakville retirement home include knitting for those in need and fundraising through bake sales and raffles for charity. We also support the local environment with our V!VAearth initiative. V!VAearth aims to minimize our impact on the environment through green policies and practices, such as composting, recycling, and growing our own produce at the V!VA Victory Garden.
Winter Safety Tips for Seniors at V!VA Oakville
Prevent Seasonal Depression
Winter can be hard on people young and old. The cold weather, lack of sun, and gloominess of being stuck indoors can make it very isolating and lonely. Seniors who live alone at home can feel the weight of this season particularly hard, which is why it is important to make time to visit friends and family. With retirement living in Oakville, seniors have opportunities to socialize with friends and neighbours while enjoying indoor activities that brighten their day.
Reduce Fall Risks
A serious hazard for seniors is slipping and falling on snow and ice. This is more common for seniors, and the injury rate is very high this time of year. Seniors who have Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other related issues may have trouble with their vision, which makes it even more difficult to see ice on a walkway or stairs. To prevent this, be sure to put rock salt on slippery surfaces, and clear your walkway and driveway to reduce any hazards.
Prevent Winter Weight Gain
Since it is more challenging to go for outdoor walks and adventures during the winter, seniors tend to spend more time sitting and relaxing indoors. This lack of physical activity can cause winter weight gain, which can lead to other issues if left alone. During the winter, encourage your loved one to spend more time on their feet. They can regularly walk around the local shopping mall, do light stretches in the morning, join an AquaFit program, or do light strength straining exercises with dumbbells.
It is also important to eat right. Vitamin D deficiency is a major issue during the winter, and it can make us feel dreary and tired. Eating a diet rich in Vitamin D and calcium will help seniors have the essentials for good health and a strong immune system. Our V!VAlicious dining program provides healthy, customized meals for seniors so they can get the nutrients they need.
Prevent Hypothermia, Dehydration, and Pneumonia
The older we get, the more the cold weather impacts us. Other factors like memory, circulation, and chronic illnesses can also make it a challenge for the elderly to recognize that they are cold. Be sure that your aging loved one keeps the heat on during the winter and dresses warmly when going outdoors to prevent hypothermia, severe colds, and pneumonia. You should also ensure they are getting enough fluids and taking their medication on time. Retirement living communities, like V!VA Oakville, provide these services and give adequate attention to seniors to keep them healthy and safe.
About V!VA Retirement Communities in Oakville
If you are considering Oakville as the retirement destination for your loved one, help them settle in at V!VA Oakville Retirement Community. We understand how winter can be especially difficult, and provide a variety of activities and programs for your loved one to participate in. We also provide housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and concierge services, plus healthcare and medication administration, and more, so your loved one has the freedom and time to do the things that bring them joy. Our activities foster wellness, happiness, and friendship.
To learn more about what makes V!VA Retirement Communities different or to find out if V!VA Oakville is right for you or your loved one, email us at oakville@vivalife.ca or call us at (289) 725-6000
