The winter months bring distinct health challenges for older adults, such as shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and a heightened risk of illness. Katherine E. Galluzzi, DO, CMD, FACOFP dist., professor and chair of PCOM's department of geriatric and palliative medicine, highlights the importance of a preventative, whole-person approach designed for older adults. This approach emphasizes strengthening the immune system, staying active, and fostering social connections to support resilience and overall well-being throughout the colder season.
“Being immunized helps to protect those around us… We are protecting not only ourselves but also our friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.”
Dr. Katherine Galluzzi
Winter months bring holidays and festive gatherings–and they may also bring influenza.
“The flu may not seem scary, but I remember my grandmother fretting about getting sick with ‘The Grippe’ during the winter months,” said Dr. Galluzzi. “This was before we had safe and effective immunizations against influenza, but she was right to worry—influenza can be deadly for those at the extremes of age, both the very young and the old!”
Dr. Galluzzi explains that the flu shot targets influenza strains identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as most likely to circulate based on previous seasons, making it essential to get vaccinated each year.
“Every adult aged 65 and older should get the high dose flu shot, because our immune systems lose fidelity and robustness as we age and we may need a little extra jolt of protection,” she said. “A high-dose influenza vaccination is the first recommendation, followed by vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—especially for seniors who spend time around children. These vaccinations are covered by Medicare and Medicaid, and they are available at a retail pharmacy near you.”
Indoor gatherings with friends and family increase the risk of COVID transmission,
making the COVID booster important for those eligible. Older adults should also ensure
they are protected against invasive pneumococcal disease by completing the two-shot
pneumonia vaccine series.
“The first shot helps to ‘prime’ or awaken our immune system. The second shot, given
a year later, covers a multitude of pathogenic strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae,”
said Dr. Galluzzi.
While the holidays are a joyful time, they can be a dangerous time for older people who are not effectively immunized.
“Being immunized helps to protect those around us, especially those who may not be able to receive immunizations,” said Dr. Galluzzi. “We are protecting not only ourselves but also our friends, family, loved ones and colleagues.”
The colder weather doesn't have to keep you stuck indoors.
“If you are vigorous and able, why not get outside and walk (every day, if possible)?” said Dr. Galluzzi. “I am a proponent of what the Japanese call ‘forest bathing’—that is, taking time to be alone in nature.”
If safety is a concern, organizing a walking group or utilizing apps that track mileage and your location with family and friends can be helpful. In the case that the weather is too cold, icy or snowy to be outdoors, finding activities that you enjoy indoors is important.
“Break out some old records, roll up the rugs and dance! You also can find an online yoga group or tune in to ‘Senior Shape’ online,” suggested Dr. Galluzzi. “Public libraries frequently host senior exercise sessions and they are a great place to socialize with your neighbors.”
Dr. Galluzzi says that many of her older friends have nurtured vibrant social groups that meet regularly in settings such as book clubs or cooking clubs.
For seniors living alone in the community, senior centers operated by the local Area Agency on Aging, such as the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), serve as valuable resources. A quick call to PCA at 215-765-9000 can help locate a nearby senior center or provide information about additional community programs.
“I look forward to winter as a time to look inward and spend quality time with my husband, family and friends,” said Dr. Galluzzi. “Good food, good friends and good conversation are key to well-being. And sometimes just curling up with a cozy throw, a hot cup of tea and a good book to read are just what the doctor ordered.”
For the past 125 years, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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Email: kristenho1@pcom.edu
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