Navigating New Jersey Winter with Warmth, Wellness, and Routine

You can stay warm and safe during the New Jersey winter season by participating in daily indoor exercise programs, joining social clubs and community events, taking educational classes and creative workshops, and enjoying cozy entertainment options. Mattison Crossing in Freehold, NJ, provides our residents with all this and more.

According to Polls & Insights, 42% of people say that fall is their favorite season. Summer is second with 26% of the votes, so winter is nowhere near the top.

While you can cling to fall all you want, the New Jersey winter in Freehold, NJ, is inevitable, and it can be particularly hard for older adults. So rest easy knowing that there are plenty of indoor activities that you can do to stay warm, comfortable, and engaged.

What Are New Jersey Winters Like?

According to Weather Spark, the winter weather in New Jersey (specifically in Freehold, NJ) is very cold. The average daily high temperature is between 39°F and 49°F, and the average daily low temperature is between 25°F and 35°F.

Not only is it really cold, but there's a lot of rain and snow too. The state experiences cold snaps and nor'easters, which make for very harsh conditions.

What Is the Coldest Month in NJ?

In New Jersey, the coldest month of the year is usually January. The temperatures can dip into the teens, and there are high risks of:

• Cold stress
• Icy conditions
• Winter storms

How Do You Embrace the Winter Season?

Optimal seasonal living in NJ is crucial for seniors. When you know what to do each season, you'll experience a higher quality of life.

Here are our suggestions regarding indoor routines for older adults during the winter.

Participate in Daily Indoor Exercise Programs

The winter weather can make it dangerous to do outdoor activities during this season, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can't stay active and fit. Senior living communities often have indoor exercise programs, so you can remain fit and maintain mobility.

Examples of exercises include:

• Chair yoga
• Low-impact aerobics
• Tai chi
• Balance training
• Stretching classes

You can also do indoor walking workouts, which can be just as effective as walking outside.

No matter what activities you choose, they can help:

• Improve circulation
• Reduce stiffness
• Prevent seasonal weight gain

Join Social Clubs and Community Events to Stay Connected

Michigan Medicine reports that 1 in 3 older adults experience loneliness and isolation, and these feelings can become more intense during colder months. So be proactive in combating depression by joining social clubs and community events.

Not only can these activities help you stay mentally stimulated, but they can also help you be more emotionally connected. Interacting with fellow residents can give you an enjoyable routine to look forward to, and you'll get positive relationships.

Take Educational Classes and Creative Workshops

Since you'll be spending significantly less time outdoors, take advantage of this time indoors to soak in knowledge. A fantastic option for assisted living engagement is to take educational classes and creative workshops. Examples include:

• Art workshops
• Music therapy
• Guest lectures
• Brain games

These activities can give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Plus, there are ample opportunities for social interaction.

Enjoy Cozy Entertainment Options

If you'd like to relax instead of challenging your brain, then there are many winter-friendly senior activities to do indoors. We have the perfect balance between relaxation and engagement, so you'll have plenty to do during the colder months.

Our entertainment options include:

• Cafe and pizza parlor
• Library
• Performing arts theater

You can also check out our activities calendar, which is full of fun and exciting things to do with your fellow residents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How To Stay Healthy During the Winter Season?

Senior care in cold weather is essential, especially since winters can be harsh in New Jersey. You should dress in layers since older adults lose body heat more quickly. Garments should include:

• Thermal undergarments
• Wool socks
• Gloves
• Warm hat

In addition, stay hydrated and eat nutrient-rich food. There are also plenty of indoor activities you can do, as we've pointed out above.

You should stay up-to-date with your vaccinations too. They can help protect you against the flu, RSV, and pneumonia.

What Are the 4 Ps in Freezing Weather?

The four Ps in freezing weather are ways to keep everyone and everything safe during the winter. They are:

1. People: Minimize time outdoors during freezing temperatures and wear insulated clothing to prevent cold stress and hypothermia.
2. Pets: Animals should be kept indoors as much as possible, since freezing temperatures can harm them quickly.
3. Plants: Sensitive or decorative plants around patios or balconies should be brought indoors or protected from frost damage.
4. Pipes: Insulating pipes or allowing them to drip during frigid nights can help prevent freezing and costly water damage.

What Are the 6 Hazards of Cold Stress?

Cold stress can lead to dangerous conditions, so you need to steer clear of them. They are:

1. Hypothermia (body temperature drops too low)
2. Frostbite (tissue damage from the cold)
3. Trench foot (prolonged exposure to cold, damp conditions)
4. Chilblains (painful inflammation of small blood vessels)
5. Slips and falls (common on icy walkways)
6. Worsening of medical conditions

You can prevent the above from happening through:

• Heated interiors
• Snow removal
• Wellness checks
• Dressing appropriately

Get Through the Harsh New Jersey Winter Season

The New Jersey winter can be harsh; not only is it cold, but it's also rainy, snowy, and windy. As an older adult, you'll have to limit your time outdoors, but that doesn't mean you'll have to be bored.

When you reside in a senior living community like Mattison Crossing, you'll have lots to do. Whether you want to stay fit with wellness programs, be social by joining clubs and community events, or be entertained, there's something for every resident here. Our goal is to make the winter months more bearable so that spring will be here before you know it!

Get in touch with us now if you're interested in senior living in Freehold, NJ. Mattison Crossing provides live music performances and informative guest lectures to keep our residents stimulated and engaged.