As the temperature drops and the darker evenings settle in, many of us start to feel the effects of winter. Colder weather makes people want to stay indoors, mornings feel slower, and everything takes a little more effort. For older relatives, these challenges can be even tougher. Winter brings real risks for elderly people, both physically and emotionally, which is why staying in touch and checking in on them becomes so important at this time of year.
Families are busy, routines change, and Christmas plans start to take over, but taking time to look in on older loved ones makes a huge difference. Even small gestures can help them stay healthy, warm, and well supported. Village Pharmacy is always ready to offer guidance if you need advice about medicines, winter health, or ways to support your older family members during this time.
Why winter is harder for older people
Winter puts extra strain on the body, and older adults feel these effects more strongly. As we age, our immune system becomes slower, our circulation changes, and our skin and joints become more sensitive to temperature.
The cold affects circulation and mobility
Cold weather makes joints stiffer and can increase pain from conditions like arthritis. Even simple tasks like getting out of bed, climbing stairs, or heading to the shops become more difficult. Icy paths also increase the risk of slips and falls, which can be serious for older adults.
Lower immunity
Viruses like flu and winter colds spread much more easily when people spend more time indoors. As the immune system weakens with age, older relatives are more likely to catch infections and take longer to recover.
Heating costs and home comfort
Many older people worry about turning the heating on because of rising bills. This can leave them sitting in cold rooms, which increases the risk of health problems such as hypothermia, chest infections, or worsening long term conditions.
Loneliness
Winter can feel isolating, especially for relatives who live alone. Shorter days and darker evenings mean fewer opportunities to go out or see others. A lot of older people feel forgotten during winter, even if that is not the case at all.
Simple ways to support older relatives this winter
You do not need grand gestures or complicated plans. Small, thoughtful actions make the biggest difference.
Visit when you can
Even short visits have a huge impact. Seeing a familiar face brings comfort and reminds them they are not alone. Ask how they are managing, whether they are warm enough, and whether they need anything from the shops.
Regular phone calls
A quick call goes a long way. Five minutes chatting about their day can lift their mood. It also helps you pick up on any changes in their voice, energy levels, or wellbeing.
Check their home environment
Make sure their living space is warm, safe, and comfortable. Look out for:
- Rooms that feel unusually cold
- Damp patches or draughts
- Broken lights
- Tripping hazards
- Working smoke alarms
Suggest keeping curtains closed in the evening and using blankets or draught blockers to help keep heat in.
Make sure they are eating and drinking enough
Appetite often decreases with age, especially during winter. Encourage warm meals like soups, porridge, stews, and hot drinks. Dehydration is easy to miss, so remind them to drink water throughout the day.
Help with heavy shopping
Carrying bags, walking on icy pavements, or waiting around in cold queues can be difficult. You can help by doing a weekly shop for them or setting up a food delivery service.
Medication checks
Ask if they have enough of their regular medicines and whether they are taking everything properly. Many older people forget to reorder or may struggle to organise tablets.
It is also worth checking whether they might benefit from things like a dose tray, easier packaging, or advice on winter health supplements. A quick chat at the pharmacy can sort this easily.
Encourage vaccinations
Keep an eye on their mood
Winter is the time when flu, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses circulate more widely. Encourage older relatives to stay up to date with any vaccinations they are eligible for. This can reduce the risk of serious illness and keep them safer through the colder months.
Loneliness and low mood are very common in winter, especially when the days feel repetitive. Look for signs such as:
- Lack of interest in hobbies
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Becoming quieter than usual
- Talking less confidently
- Withdrawing from conversations
A bit of company, even for a few minutes, can make a huge difference. Offer to take them out for a coffee, bring them along for a short walk, or simply sit with them for a chat.
Safety tips for older relatives during winter
There are a few practical safety steps that help keep older relatives comfortable and protected.
Keep them warm
Encourage them to dress in layers, even indoors. Check that their main living room is warm, and make sure they know it is okay to use their heating when needed. Warm slippers, blankets, and hot water bottles are small items that make a big difference.
Watch out for icy paths
Make sure their walkways and steps are clear, and if possible, add salt or grit to prevent slipping. Encourage them to use sturdy shoes with good grip when outside.
Review their daily routine
Ask which parts of their day feel hardest. If mornings are a struggle, suggest moving appointments to later times. If they get tired walking long distances, offer transport or help arrange taxis.
Keep essentials topped up
This includes:
- Food
- Prescriptions
- Hot drink supplies
- Batteries
- Heating top ups
- Toiletries
Running out of essentials can be stressful and may cause older relatives to take risks such as going out in bad weather.
The emotional side of winter
Older relatives are not always comfortable asking for help. Many feel proud, independent, or worried about being a burden. That is why gentle, regular support is better than waiting for them to speak up.
Be patient, listen carefully, and reassure them that you visit because you care, not because they are helpless. Sometimes what they need is simply to feel remembered and valued.
Making winter more enjoyable
Winter does not have to feel bleak. There are small things that can make their days feel brighter:
- Watching favourite films
- Listening to old music
- Baking together
- Simple crafts or puzzles
- Going for short walks on dry days
- Putting up winter decorations
- Planning Christmas activities early
Shared moments help them feel connected and give both of you something to look forward to.
Checking on older relatives is one of the most meaningful things you can do during winter. A little time, a simple visit, or a short phone call can help them stay warm, safe, and emotionally supported. Winter brings challenges, but with a bit of attention and care, older loved ones can feel comfortable and confident through the colder months.
