Winter Wellness in Middle Georgia

As the calendar flips to mid-January here in Middle Georgia, the winter chill has settled in like an uninvited guest who just won’t leave (You should see my power bill for last month, Ugh!). This time of year, it’s easy to feel the “winter blues” creeping up— that seasonal slump marked by lower energy, mood dips, and a temptation to hibernate under a blanket with a remote in hand. 

But fear not, fellow seniors! Winter wellness isn’t about braving the frost like a polar explorer; it’s about smart, indoor strategies to keep your body moving and spirits high. Let’s dive into some practical tips, with a dash of inspiration to kick-start that belated New Year’s resolution you’ve been mulling over.

First off, combating the winter blues starts with understanding what’s at play. Shorter days mean less sunlight, which can disrupt our natural rhythms and serotonin levels. In Middle Georgia, where we’re blessed with milder winters than up north. We can leverage indoor options to stay active without risking slips on icy patches (though let’s be honest, our “ice” is more like a light frost that melts by noon vs. the real ice that I’ve fought for half of my eight decades in Philadelphia, Detroit, Montreal and Toronto). 

Health experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week for adults over 65, which can help ward off depression, boost immunity, and even improve sleep. So, how do we make that happen and not turn into couch potatoes?

Focus on indoor exercises that are gentle yet effective. Strength training with resistance bands or light weights can build muscle and bone density that is crucial as we age. Many community centers offer senior-friendly classes, but if you’re like me and prefer a gym setting, consider hitting the machines for a low-impact workout. 

Just this past week at Planet Fitness, I was plugging away on the weight machines—nothing fancy, just steady reps to keep the joints lubricated. A fellow gym-goer, probably in his mid 50s, struck up a conversation and asked my age. When I said 82, he gave a nod and a grin, subtly acknowledging that navigating those contraptions with ease isn’t something you see every day. It wasn’t about me showing off; it was a quiet reminder that consistency pays off. If an octogenarian can hop from machine to machine without a hitch, imagine what you could achieve with a little persistence. It’s like that old saying: “Age is just a number, but enthusiasm is the real weightlifter.”

Humor aside, moments like these are golden opportunities to inspire. Think of it as your belated New Year’s resolution— no need for grand proclamations on January 1st when January 21st  works just fine. Start small: commit to 20 minutes a day on exercises like seated marches, wall push-ups, or even dancing to your favorite Motown tunes in the living room. And here’s a pro tip that’s practically a gift: if you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan (and most of us are), check out the Silver Sneakers program. It’s free for eligible members and grants access to most major gyms.  No more excuses about membership fees— this perk could be your ticket to feeling energized all winter long.  

Don’t overlook safe walking spots to mix things up. When the sun peeks out, bundle up for a  brisk 30-minute walk around the neighborhood. If the weather turns drizzly, and you’re close by, head indoors to a mall. These spots are climate-controlled, well-lit, and often bustling with other seniors, making it a two-for-one deal: exercise and people-watching. Pair your walks with mindfulness— count your steps or focus on the rhythm of your breath— to amplify the mood-boosting effects.  

As I was proofreading this column to my wife, as I almost  always do before it goes to the editor, she said she was going to start going back to the gym with me next week. A little context is in order here. She was going with me a couple years ago until the pain in her hip became unbearable. But now she’s had full hip replacement on both hips (the first about 12 years ago) and just finished the post surgery physical therapy last week on the hip she had done in mid-November. Now we’re both looking forward to our “Gym Dates”! Perhaps I’ll do an update in a month or so to let you know how we’re doing together.

Remember, winter wellness isn’t a sprint; it’s a steady pace that keeps us thriving. So, dust off those sneakers— Silver or otherwise— and let’s make this season one of vitality. Who knows? Your next gym chat might just inspire someone else to lace up and join the fun.

Thanks for reading All About Seniors, see you next week!

Bill Milby is a Director of Visiting Angels® of Central Georgia, a non-medical, living assistance service for seniors. If you have questions or comments about this column you can reach him at william.mercylink@gmail.comor search for us at  https://www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsofCentralGA