Winter can present unique challenges for older adults, but with the right resources and support, maintaining your health and staying active is achievable! From accessing nutritious meals to safe transportation and social engagement opportunities, LifeStream Services is here to help you thrive during the colder months. These resources not only promote physical and mental well-being but also support independence and quality of life. Here are a few ways that LifeStream can support you through these winter months:
Information & Assistance: Winter can come with surprises, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when reaching out for help. LifeStream’s Information & Assistance department is the first line of communication between you and our agency. If you are seeking services, call (800) 589-1121 to speak with someone about how to get started. We are also East Central Indiana’s Aging & Disability Resource Center which means we can provide you with a variety of information on health and human service groups and agencies, even if LifeStream does not offer a specific service you are looking for.
Nutrition: Maintaining healthy nutrition practices is important all year, but it becomes essential when winter challenges start to arise. Getting the proper nutrients supports your immune system, bone health, mental health, and much more. LifeStream’s Nutrition Services are here to ensure you have access to balanced meals. Whether that’s at one of our community meal sites or our home-delivered meals program, your nutrition is vitally important to us. If you have the opportunity to visit a community meal site in your county, this brings together friendly conversation alongside a meal—social interaction is beneficial to your health in so many ways!
Wellness: Staying active helps you stay healthy, both physically and mentally, promoting falls prevention, better sleep habits, and more. A decrease in physical activity during the winter can result in muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and mobility issues, but there are plenty of opportunities to stay active indoors. LifeStream’s Wellness Programs offer a number of indoor wellness classes including Enhance Fitness, Geri-Fit, Drums Alive®, and A Matter of Balance. An added bonus to joining a wellness class is the opportunity for social connection!
Transportation: Road safety is incredibly important in the winter when dangerous weather conditions are prevalent. If you are unable to navigate the winter roads safely, LifeStream’s Transportation Services are readily available to get you where you need to go in East Central Indiana. Call (888) 589-1121 to schedule a ride in your county—please call 2 weeks ahead or as soon as possible to secure your ride.
Caregiver Support: With the winter months comes the holiday season. The holidays can be a wonderful time, but they can also bring added stress—especially for caregivers. LifeStream’s STEP In Caregiver Programs is here to support you in your caregiving journey through resources including support groups, caregiver resource kits, our STEP In Care Team Binder, our Caregiver Lending Library, and so much more. Contact stepin@lifestreaminc.org to get in touch with our Caregiver Programs Coordinators to find out how we can support you this season.
The winter months can bring many feelings, some good and some bad, but no matter what you’re facing, LifeStream Services is here for you through it all!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we continue to share more resources and tips for healthy aging through winter.