Elders at Home: Preparing for Winter

Prepare your home for winter with traditional warmth and thoughtful care. Encourage elders to wear cozy attire, indulge in Ayurvedic remedies, and engage in family bonding. Ensure their well-being this winter.

Dr. Amitava Pal Choudhury PT (VP, South Zone)

As the chilly winter breeze sweeps across the country, we must ensure our elders stay warm and comfortable during the colder months. Here are some practical tips and thoughtful ideas to prepare homes for the winter season, ensuring the well-being of our beloved senior family members.

1. Traditional Warmth:

Encourage your elders to wear cosy traditional attire like shawls, sarees, or dhotis, which offer excellent insulation. Hand-knitted woollen and warm fabrics are comfortable and provide a sense of familiarity and warmth.

2. Ayurvedic Care:

Consider incorporating Ayurvedic principles into their daily routine. Warm, spiced beverages like ginger tea and herbal concoctions can keep them cosy and boost immunity. Additionally, Ayurvedic herbs and spices like turmeric and Tulsi (holy basil) have medicinal properties ideal for winter.

3. Warm, Nutritious Diet:

Include warm soups, vegetable stews, and lentil-based dishes in their meals. These not only provide warmth but also offer essential nutrients. Traditional sweets made from ingredients like sesame and jaggery are delicious and provide natural warmth to the body.

4. Herbal Remedies:

Explore herbal teas made with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. These not only taste delightful but also have therapeutic properties. Consult a herbalist or Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized herbal remedies tailored to their needs.

5. Bedding and Insulation:

Ensure their beds are layered with thick, quilted bedspreads and blankets. Natural fibre mattresses and rugs on the floor provide insulation against cold surfaces. Proper bedding keeps them warm and comfortable, especially at night.

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik

6. Elder-Friendly Home Decor:

Arrange their living space with elder-friendly furniture and decor. Soft lighting and warm colours create a cosy ambience. Rugs or carpets can prevent slipping and add an extra insulation layer against cold floors, enhancing their comfort.

7. Community Engagement:

Encourage participation in local community events and social gatherings. Engaging with neighbours and friends provides social warmth and combats feelings of isolation every day during the winter months.

8. Family Bonding:

Winter is an excellent time for family bonding. Plan indoor activities that can be enjoyed together, such as storytelling sessions, board games, or crafting. Cooking sessions where they can share cherished recipes with younger family members foster a sense of connection and warmth.

9. Health Check-ups and Medications:

Regular health check-ups are essential. Ensure they have a sufficient supply of medications, and create a list of emergency contacts and healthcare providers. Their well-being is paramount during the winter season.

10. Regular Exercise and Yoga:

Encourage gentle exercises and yoga routines suitable for their age and health. These activities improve circulation and flexibility, promoting overall well-being. Consider exploring local classes or online resources tailored to seniors’ needs.

In conclusion, creating a warm and nurturing environment for our elders during winter involves embracing traditional practices and modern comforts. By incorporating these tips, we can ensure they stay warm, healthy, and emotionally fulfilled during the colder months. Let’s make this winter season a time of joy, togetherness, and warmth for our beloved elders.

Dr.Amitava Pal Choudhury, PT

(VP, South Zone)

Healthcare professional with 15+ years’ experience in hospital and home healthcare management. His last assignment before joining Carefirst was with Portea, where he was Regional Head for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Amitava is certified as a Physiotherapist (Master) and has several Executive and PG certifications from IIMs and IITs.