How to Improve Senior Wellness During Winter in Nashville

Getting out of the house and connecting with friends is crucial for seniors, but winter can make it harder to do so. Icy weather increases fall risks and makes it harder to get anywhere, while the short days and cold temperatures make the idea of leaving the house unappealing.

However, there’s good news: Nashville and Franklin have plenty of options to help older people get out of the house, have fun and connect with each other to improve senior wellness during winter. Whether your loved one prefers a cozy spot to sip top-notch coffee or a fantastic variety of day trips to enjoy with friends, there’s plenty for seniors to do during the colder months.

Improving Senior Wellness During Winter in Nashville

Do you know a senior who needs help staying engaged this winter? There are plenty of options around Franklin and Nashville that can help. Here are some of the best:

1. Stay Aware of Emergencies

It’s crucial to stay aware of conditions outside during the wintertime so you and your loved one can prepare properly. News reports and weather apps can give you a general idea of what to expect, but they can’t predict localized disruptions like fallen trees, downed power lines or blocked roads.

That’s why the Williamson County Emergency Management Agency maintains an emergency alert system that sends public safety notifications based on your location. All you need to do is give them your address and preferred method of contact (phone, email, text or mobile app), and they’ll send you instant notifications as soon as they’re aware of any hazard that might impact you.

The alert system works by address, so if you and your loved one live in different homes, you’ll need to submit both addresses separately.

2. Help Them Perk Up and Relax

Simple comforts are one of the best ways to help seniors ward off the winter doldrums. Sometimes, a great cup of coffee and a cozy place to drink it (and maybe a book to read) are all your loved one needs to feel a little better.

If the chill and gloom of winter are starting to get to your loved one, The Coffee House is the perfect spot to brighten their day. Both of their two Franklin locations are old houses that make for an incredibly cozy atmosphere. Add that to some of the best coffee in Nashville (hand-roasted in-house, of course), there’s nowhere better to relax and perk up during the winter. Make sure to try local favorites like the honey lavender latte and the Cuban espresso.

3. Take Them Out on the Town

Winter can make it challenging for older people to leave the house. Slippery sidewalks and roadways can make them nervous about falls and crashes, while the cold and dark can feel discouraging. But like so much else, it’s a lot easier with a team.

If a senior in your life needs a way to get out of the house in the winter, the many day trips hosted by Fifty Forward are one of the best options in the area. Fifty Forward keeps a very busy event calendar, with at least one day trip scheduled most weekdays. Just this month, they’ve planned trips like:

• Museum visits to the Frist Art Museum, Lane Motor Museum and Clement Railroad Hotel Museum.
• Educational tours of Old Glory Distillery and Hatch Show Print, an old-fashioned block printing shop that’s still going strong.
• Recreational outings like line dancing or a bowl-and-brunch at Pinewood Social. 
• Regular lunch and dinner clubs at a wide variety of local restaurants.

Even better, with trips departing from their seven different locations all around the Nashville area, a fun day trip is never far out—or far away.

Fifty Forward uses a charter bus for their day trips, so reservations are required and headcounts are limited. To ensure they’ll have a spot, make sure to book your loved one’s outing in advance.

Find Seniors Help for Winter in Nashville

Winter can make everything a little harder for seniors—but not so much harder that they can’t get by with a little help. From practical emergency alert systems to keep you prepared to cozy locations and fun day trips, Franklin and Nashville have plenty of ways to help your loved one get out of the house and enjoy themselves.

If a senior in your life needs a little help staying engaged during the winter, FirstLight Home Care of Franklin and Nashville is here to help. Our dedicated caregivers don’t just help older people get around and manage their everyday tasks; they also work to form a genuine connection with your loved one, giving them a trusted companion they always know they can lean on for support.
Ready to learn how our caregivers can give your loved one a little peace of mind this winter? Contact us today.