Winter wellbeing tips for older adults this Christmas

As temperatures drop, winter can bring challenges for older adults, but with a few simple habits, it’s possible to stay warm, safe and well all season long. Here are some practical tips to help support winter wellbeing this year. 

Staying warm safely  

Keeping warm is essential for comfort and health during the colder months. Dressing in layers is one of the easiest ways to maintain body heat. Start with thermal underlayers and add jumpers, cardigans, or fleeces that can be removed or added as needed. 
 
Indoors, keep an eye on room temperatures and aim for a consistently warm environment. Hot water bottles or microwaveable heat packs can provide extra comfort, especially in the evenings, but ensure they’re used safely and not placed directly on the skin. 

Top tip: Put on a thermal base layer each morning – it's one of the quickest and easiest ways to keep heat close to the body without needing to turn the heating up.  

Don’t forget to hydrate  

It’s common for hydration to slip during winter as cooler weather means we often feel less thirsty. However, older adults should still aim for around 1.5 litres of fluids a day. Warm drinks are a great way to stay hydrated and cosy at the same time: herbal teas, hot chocolate, soup-based drinks, and simply remembering to sip water with meals can all help maintain good hydration levels. 

Top tip: Set a reminder to have a warm or cool drink everytime you have a meal. This builds hydration into daily routines without needing to think about it. 

Cold-weather nutrition  

Nourishing foods play a huge role in winter wellbeing. Vitamins are particularly important at this time of year, and vegetables should be at the heart of winter meals - think warming soups, stews, casseroles and roasts. 

 
Many of these dishes can be batch-cooked and frozen, making meal planning easier and ensuring there’s always a warm, nutritious option close to hand. Seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, leeks and squash are perfect winter staples and make fantastic soups.  

Top tip: Make one large batch of soup or stew each week and freeze it into individual portions. It guarantees you’ll have a nutritious, warm meal ready whenever you need it. 

Avoiding slips, trips and falls 

Cold, icy weather increases the risk of falls, but a few preventative steps can make a big difference. Here’s a simple winter safety checklist: 

• Salt or grit outdoor pathways when temperatures drop to prevent icy patches 

• Ensure indoor and outdoor areas are well lit, especially entrances, stairways and gardens 

• Wear appropriate footwear inside and outside - non-slip soles are a must 

• Keep Christmas lights tidy - loose wires and decorations can easily become trip hazards 

• Clear clutter around walkways indoors to give safe, unobstructed routes 

• Use handrails where available and consider installing additional supports if needed 

Top tip: Before leaving the house each day, quickly check footwear for a good grip and make sure paths are salted if it’s icy. This could help reduce the risk of falling.  

With a few mindful habits, winter can be a comfortable and enjoyable season. If you or a loved one could benefit from extra help at home, whether that’s support with daily tasks, companionship, or dedicated care, our team is here to ensure safety and wellbeing throughout the colder months. 

 
Please get in touch if you’d like to learn more about how we can support you this winter – care@consultuscare.com.