There are many health risks and injuries that can occur with the changing temperatures.  Below are some precautionary measures to take during these upcoming winter months.

Shoveling Snow

When shoveling this winter, keep in mind that our hearts work overtime to keep us warm.  Shoveling can put strain on the heart, especially in those that may have heart disease. It can also be dangerous for those with any balance or low-density bone issues and is advised to check with your doctor on whether shoveling is a safe activity to perform.

Falls

Falls happen easily in the winter with the icy conditions, try taking these precautions when out in the snow or ice:

• Assure that steps, sidewalks, driveways, and walkways are clear of ice before you walk.

• Salt your walking areas at home. Ask a neighbor or hire a provider for help.

• Wear boots that have non-skid soles to help prevent you from

If using a cane, try replacing the rubber tip, or get an ice pick cane tip for better support

Hypothermia

Hypothermia can occur if one’s body temperature drops significantly. This can be due to being in the cold for extended periods of time, and there is an increased risk in older adults developing hypothermia due to changes in the body that occur with age. Take the following precautions to help prevent hypothermia from occurring:

• Try not to remain outside in cold conditions for long periods of time.

• When or if your clothes become wet or damp from the cold, change or dry your clothes as soon as possible.

• Dress in layers to protect from the cold. This includes winter essentials such as coats, hats, scarfs, gloves, etc.

By: National Council on Aging

It’s December, and the holiday season is in full swing. It’s the time of year for good food, and good friends and family—at least for most of us. But for many others, the holiday season can remind them of just how lonely they are.

The U.S. Census estimates that as many as 28% of adults aged 65+ lived alone in 2010, but a person doesn’t have to live alone to feel lonely. Loneliness can affect anyone who doesn’t feel meaningful connections with other people.

Loneliness is more than an emotional issue; it has real implications for physical and mental health. Recent research has shown that feeling lonely or being isolated affects mortality in a similar way to that of a smoking habit of 15 cigarettes per day and has more of an impact on mortality than other risk factors, like obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

A 2010 Survey on Loneliness from the AARP indicated that over half of people who had been diagnosed with anxiety, depression or another mood disorder reported being lonely. Furthermore, people who are lonely are more prone to depression and at greater risk of cognitive decline.

The good news is, loneliness doesn’t have to be an ongoing problem. Here are 4 tips to help combat loneliness and protect the mental health of an older loved one this holiday and beyond.

1. Make communication a priority
Some older adults go days without speaking to anyone at all, especially those who are in poor health or who have limited mobility or transportation options. Nothing beats an in-person visit, but if you can’t see each other around the holidays, talking on the phone—or video chatting with Skype or Facetime if everyone has the technology—can make a world of difference. Make a point to reach out on or before the actual holiday so the older adult in your life doesn’t feel as though they have been forgotten during this special time of year. Encourage other friends or family members to do the same. Keep the communication going in the new year by setting 15-30 minutes aside once a week to talk. Don’t feel restricted to small talk. Ask for advice, or how it felt to live through certain experiences. Older adults have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share.

2. Encourage and facilitate social activities through local organizations
Places of faith, like churches, temples and mosques, are a great place for individuals of all ages to meet like-minded people and find opportunities for group activities. If your older loved one isn’t religious, consider activities available through a local senior center. Offer to join them on their first trip to any new places to reduce anxiety and apprehension.

3. Explore hobbies and other areas of interest
Figure out what the older adult in your life likes to do to relax or as a hobby (this is also a great way to get gift ideas). If they don’t currently have any hobbies, ask if there is one they used to have that they would like to get back into or something new they would like to try. Odds are that other people share that interest and there are opportunities for socializing around it. Even seemingly solitary hobbies can become social. Avid readers can join book clubs; people who like to quilt or knit can join sewing or knitting circles. If an older adult wants to try a new hobby, adult education classes are great places to meet other people while learning skills. Alternatively, if an older adult is exceptionally skilled at a craft, they may be able to teach it to others.

4. Identify opportunities to combat loneliness at any time

For those times between visits, calls, organizational activities and hobbies when loneliness can strike, determine some options that your older loved one can take advantage of at any time of day. Mental Health America (MHA) has a support community that is full of individuals who are online day and night looking to communicate and support one another and is a great option for the internet-savvy older adult. Older adults who prefer talking on the phone can call The Friendship Line at 1-800-971-0016. The Friendship Line is available 24/7 for adults aged 60+ to offer a caring ear and friendly conversation, and it also offers outreach services.

If you have taken steps to address loneliness, but still find that the older adult in your life is withdrawn and in low spirits, they may be showing signs of depression. MHA has a free, anonymous and confidential depression screener online at MHAScreening.org. Screening is the first step to determining if professional help may be needed to address a mental health condition.

Exercising during the winter can be challenging as the cold sets in and conditions outside make it harder for normal outdoor activities. However, here are 3 different ways to stay active and safe this season.

1. Sign up for virtual workout classes.
Many gyms, recreation facilities, and senior centers provide online classes in real-time that allow you to work out right from the comfort of your own home. There are also different online applications that allow you to download your own workout plans right to your phone, tablet, or computer.

2. Try a local pool or recreation center
Many local recreation centers offer physical activity options, such as swimming, walking tracks, or indoor aerobic classes.

3. Go mall walking
Mall walking can be a great way to maintain your activity and connect with friends during the cold months.

*When you do decide to exercise outside, always take precautions to avoid icy sidewalks or slippery areas. It is recommended to winterize your shoes and boots with grip sole covers and spiked grips for the bottoms of walkers and canes.

The Area Agency on Aging Visually Impaired Program still has funds available to provide financial assistance for visual aids and adaptive technology for those older adults with visual impairments that cannot be corrected by glasses.

Please call 970-400-6629 for more information.

Friendly Fork Dietician Lorrie Wellman is hosting a Fats & Oils Nutrition education presentation on Wednesday, December 8 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. via zoom. 

Topics include: cholesterol, high and low-density lipids, saturated fats, omega-3 fats and more!

Registration is required. Handouts and zoom log-in information will be emailed upon registration. 

To register, call Robin at (970) 400-6120 or email rhastings@weldgov.com. 

A Matter of Balance Workshop:

Learn ways to reduce the fear of falling and break the fear of falling cycle. A variety of activities address physical, social, and cognitive factors affecting fear of falling by focusing on practical coping strategies.
The workshop meets once a week for 8 weeks. FREE but
registration required by calling 970-400-6117. 

• Carbon Valley Parks & Recreation (Frederick), Tuesdays, 1/25/22 – 3/15/22, 2p-4p
• Kersey Recreation Center (Kersey), Wednesdays, 1/26/22 – 3/16/22, 2p-4p

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance
Improve your balance, increase strength, mobility, and flexibility while reducing your fear of falling. Learn 8 of the 24 Yang-style Tai Chi forms. Learn to practice while standing or sitting. FREE for people 60 and older, but registration is required by calling 970-400-6117. Offered at Evans Community Complex and Milliken Senior Center. New session starting in January 2022.

Strong People Class
Maintain and improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Hand weights and legs weights are provided. Learn proper technique and intensity specific for you. FREE for people 60 and older, but registration is required by calling
970-400-6117. Offered at the Greeley Adult Activity Center. New session starting in January 2022.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workshop
If you are caring for a loved one at home, this workshop will help you learn to reduce stress, guilt, and anger. Learn relaxation techniques, set goals, and problem-solve. This program is intended for family caregivers only. The workshop meets once a week for six weeks. FREE but registration is required by calling 970-400-6117.

• Windsor Recreation Center (Windsor), Mondays, 2/7/22 – 3/21/22, 10a-noon

Healthier Living Diabetes Colorado
Better self-manage your diabetes by learning to apply the knowledge you already know such as: reading nutrition labels, healthy eating, preventing low blood sugar, developing an exercise program, and setting achievable goals. The workshop meets once a week for six weeks. FREE for people 60 and older, but registration is required by calling (970) 400-6117.

• Evans Community Complex (Evans), Thursdays, 3/17/22 – 4/21/22, 1:30p – 4p

Aging Mastery Program
Build your own personal playbook for aging well. This fun, innovative program empowers you to take key steps to improve your well-being, add stability to your life and strengthen ties to your community. Meet new friends and provide encouragement to one another as you take the Aging Mastery journey together. Self-guided toolkits with weekly check-in calls. FREE for people 60 and older. Online program beginning in March. Please call (970) 400-6117 for further information or if interested in the program.

Weld County Senior Nutrition Program, aka 'Friendly Fork,' has 23 meal sites throughout the county that need your help.

Volunteer opportunities are available Monday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Opportunities include:

• Kitchen set-up, serving and clean-up

• Front desk check-in and welcoming diners 

• Curbside meal distribution 

If you are interested, contact Meredith Skoglund at (970) 400-6132 or email mskoglund@weldgov.com for more information about a site near you!

Save the dates! Friendly Fork Registered Dietitian Lorrie Wellman will be presenting nutrition education seminars via zoom in the coming 2022 year. 

Presentations will include: 

January- Fiber 

February - Mediterranean Diet

March - Diabetes

To pre-register, call Robin at (970) 400-6120 or email rhastings@weldgov.com. 

AAA has 2 nutrition education presentations available now for you to view!

The "New" Nutrition Label is all about reading and understanding nutrition labels. From product specific information to serving size — nutrition labels carry a lot of useful information. 

Food Safety at Home educates you on safety tips to keep foods out of the "Danger Zone" and which foods are more at risk when cooking from home.