25 OP Winter Senior Newsletter

WINTER HEALTH

STAYING ACTIVE DURING THE WINTER Winter weather can make staying active feel more challenging, but keeping your body moving is just as important during the colder months as it is the rest of the year. Regular physical activity helps maintain strength, balance, flexibility and even boosts your mood. Even small amounts of movement can make a difference. During winter, many people spend more time indoors, making indoor activities especially beneficial. Simple movements such as stretching, walking inside your home or building, or doing chair exercises can help keep muscles and joints flexible. Light strength activities, like lifting your arms or slowly standing up from a chair, also support balance and everyday mobility. Staying active in winter does not have to be difficult or time-consuming. Activities such as dancing to music, doing light household chores or exercising with a friend can make movement more enjoyable. Every bit of activity counts, and staying consistent can help support health and independence throughout the winter season. For those who enjoy being outdoors, winter exercise can still be safe with a few precautions. Below are five tips from the National Institute on Aging for exercising safely in cold weather.

orlandpark.org

14 | ORLAND PARK SENIORS