Winter in Queensland might be mild, but those crisper mornings and earlier nights still bring a natural shift in our daily routines and how we care for ourselves.
The chill makes it tempting to stay snuggled in bed for a little longer each morning while the sun disappears a little earlier each afternoon. Often, it feels easier to put off plans until tomorrow, but then tomorrow becomes next week!
For older Queenslanders, fewer outings can have a quiet knock-on effect, meaning less movement, sunlight, or time with other people. To avoid a seasonal dip in your wellbeing, try making a few small changes, such as stretching before breakfast to warm yourself up, sitting in a sunny spot on the verandah in the afternoon, or enjoying a nourishing lunch with others.
Cooler mornings can make joints feel stiffer, especially before the body has had time to wake up. Before standing, give yourself a few minutes to move gently. Try ankle circles, shoulder rolls, slow seated marches or a few stretches in bed.
Once you are up, little pockets of movement can help keep the day flowing:
It is also worth doing a quick winter check of your home, dim hallways and loose slippers are not exactly the dream team. Supportive, non-slip shoes, clear walkways and good lighting help to prevent falls.
A little winter sun can do more than brighten the day. Sunlight helps the body make vitamin D, which supports strong bones and muscles. It also helps keep the body’s internal clock in rhythm, which can support sleep, energy and daily routine. And when the days feel a bit flat, natural light can help lift the mood, even if it is just ten minutes with a cuppa in a sunny spot.
Shorter days can easily mean less time outside, especially if the morning feels too cool or the afternoon gets away from you. You could try:
Winter food should do more than warm your hands around the bowl. It should help keep your body nourished, steady and ready for the day.
Simple meals can still do a lot of heavy lifting. Think vegetable soup with lentils, scrambled eggs on toast, tinned salmon with salad, yoghurt with fruit, or a slow-cooked meal portioned into the freezer for another day.
Try to include:
Need more inspiration? See these winter recipes from the Heart Foundation.
Winter can make the world feel a little smaller, reducing social contact, even for people who usually enjoy being out and about.
A phone call helps. So does a neighbourly chat over the fence. But sometimes, it is good to have something on the calendar that gets you out of the house and into good company.
Suncare’s Social Connections programs are designed for exactly that. Groups can include shared lunches, outings, craft sessions, coffee and conversation, and other community activities. Transport may also be available in some areas, making it easier to get there and home again. You do not need to be receiving other Suncare services to get involved.
We also offer the Heartbeat Program, which brings older Queenslanders together through shared meals, conversation, and local community connection. Outings like these can add some colour to your week, offering good company and delicious food.
Winter can change the support you need
Often, a healthy winter simply involves a few changes to maintain your social connections, fitness, nutrition and sun exposure.
Sometimes, though, it shows where more support may be useful. Suncare can help you look at what is working, what feels harder, and what kind of support may fit your life. That might include:
Support at Home guidance – helping you understand your funding, plan your services and make the most of your quarterly budget.
Everyday living support – cleaning, laundry, gardening, meal preparation and other everyday tasks that can feel harder in winter.
Transport and social connection – getting to appointments, shops, social groups, Heartbeat lunches and local outings.
Clinical care – services such as physiotherapy, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, nursing or nutrition support.
Independence services – including mobility aids, home modifications or other supports that help you stay steady and comfortable at home.
It is still your life. Suncare is here to help you keep living it well in every season.
Need a hand finding what’s nearby, or working out what kind of support might make winter feel a little easier? Call Suncare on 1800 786 227 or visit suncare.org.au. We’re here to help.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.