To Your Health: winter isolation

Nov 28, 2023 | 2:35 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—It only takes a moment to reach out to a loved one and that is especially important during the winter season as some elders can find this time especially challenging.

When people are alone, they can tend to just continue in that isolation and it can lead to depression where they don’t really move out of that comfort.So, when we stay at home, it kind of becomes more of a routine and can lead to sort of a negative feedback loop almost.

Elly Park, UBC Master of Occupational Therapy, North Cohort at UNBC

When isolated, symptoms like depression can develop or worsen but there are also more immediate dangers like accessing healthcare or their homes becoming more unhygenic.

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Park suggest trying to make an effort to get out in the community even if its just once every two weeks noting that Prince George has a lot of opportunities that people can take advantage of while avoiding the winter weather. This includes the inside walking program at the CN Centre as well as the YMCA offering programs for older adults.

Park also suggest family, loved ones, or friends to develop a buddy system where they call once a day to catch up and that even if they can’t get to each other physically simple actions like calling goes a long way.

Staying connected with loved ones is a community effort and consider reaching out to your friends and family this holiday season.

by Sam Bennison

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To Your Health: winter isolation

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