By Cara Murez HealthDay Reporter
(HealthDay)
SATURDAY, Jan. 14, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Winter may feel like a time for hibernation, however it’s vital for seniors to soundly sustain their hobbies and physical activity within the cold weather.
“It’s vital to get outside as much as possible, whether it’s temperate or even when it’s colder, so long as it’s protected to accomplish that,” said Dr. Angela Catic, an associate professor within the Center on Aging at Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston.
“If it’s cold, bundling up and getting outside is nice to your spirit and good for you physically,” she said in a Baylor news release.
Proceed walking, biking or being in nature, Catic suggested, while being cautious of snow or icy conditions. But don’t pick up a latest energetic sport like skiing or snowboarding, unless that was already a hobby, she cautioned.
Listed here are a few of her suggestions:
If you happen to typically garden outside, grow some indoor plants within the winter. Plan for the upcoming growing season by perusing gardening catalogs and making a springtime plan.
Explore indoor activities, comparable to reading, doing puzzles, playing games, crafting or knitting. Go to live shows, visit museums and take road trips.
If the considered picking up a latest hobby post-retirement seems daunting, reflect on activities you enjoyed previously before you were focused on work.
Take a look at adult teaching programs in your area. They could offer quite a lot of latest pastimes, including woodworking, sewing or birdwatching. Books at the general public library showcase skills you may learn, comparable to gourmet cooking or quilting.
Consider volunteer work. This generally is a rewarding method to spend time.
“We would like to maintain ourselves energetic, each physically and mentally, and hobbies often try this. They convey joy and fun to our lives, and that’s so vital when it comes to preserving cognitive function and mental health,” Catic said. “We encourage people to be engaged and do things they enjoy that connect them to their community.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on physical activity for older adults.
SOURCE: Baylor College of Medicine, news release, Jan. 10, 2023
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