Come rain or shine

What are the Affects of Weather on the Retirement Experience?

The natural environment describes an open outdoor space, which allows for individuals to be surrounded in the elements whilst they engage in occupations (Calogiuri & Chroni, 2014). The various characteristics of the natural environment such as temperature, precipitation and humidity can have a drastic impact on one’s health and well-being, as well as occupational choice. Through the impact of biological ageing, elderly individuals are placed at an even greater risk of effects from the natural environment.

Within the UK 80% of individuals over 65 years of age are said to spend most of their time indoors (Age UK, 2015). Motivation is key to performing occupations, as weather is widely believed to have a strong impact on mood. When asked, most individuals would claim that they feel better on days with more sunshine then on cold, rainy days. Mood can fluctuate significantly within and between seasons, which can heavily impact one’s motivation to perform in daily occupations (Denissen et al, 2008).

 

A study performed by Durvasula et al. (2010) identified that 61.5% of studied elderly individuals ideally preferred to be outside performing occupations such as walking in the winter months. Despite knowing the benefits of outdoor occupations, poor health, disability and fear of injury are all current limiting factors expressed within the group for outdoor activities. Similarly driving, which tends to be the primary mode of transportation for older adults all year round, changes during inclement weather. Trips out tend to be shorter, not very far away and only made based on importance to the individual (Meyers et al, 2011). Although the elderly are able to participate within more occupations in warmer climates, there are still reasons to express caution.

In the warmer months, issues surrounding dehydration and other heat related disorders become more of an issue within the elderly population, specifically due to the similarity of symptoms when compared to natural ageing (Gronlund et al, 2014).

Below are a few suggestions as to how to properly perform occupations in various outdoor situations:

Cold Weather (Harvard Health Publications, 2014): 

1. Dress for the occasion, warm clothes and boots with a rubberised and textured sole to maintain body temperature and prevent falls on slippery surfaces
2. Know your limits, don’t travel farther than you feel confortable nor should you push yourself to do something you’re not up to such as shovelling
3. Protect your immune system, keep up to date with your vaccinations and daily medications/vitamins as prescribed to you
4. Avoid extreme cold

Warm Weather (Kenny & Harding, 2014):

1. Dress for the occasion, light clothes and adequate footwear with proper structure and foot support
2. Sun protection, such as sunscreen with a high sun-protection-factor, summer hats and sunglasses to protect against harmful UV rays
3. Drink… water, when performing occupations outdoors in the sun maintain a constant intake of water, even drinking before you get thirsty
4. Avoid extreme heat

These are just a few tips with regards to general changes in climate, for more hints and tips click here. During all seasons crossover of protective factors are possible, for instance with sun protection in winter months. As well, if you have been prescribed a mobility aid, it should be used during all outdoor occupations to ensure your safety.

References:

Age UK. (2015) Later life in the United Kingdom: February 2015 [Online]. London: Age UK. Available from: <http://www.ageuk.org.uk> [Accessed 27^th March 2015].

Calogiuri, G. and Chroni, S. (2014) The impact of the natural environment on the promotion of active living: An integrative systematic review. BMC Public Health, 14(873).

Denissen, J., Butalid, L., Penke, L. and van Aken, M. (2008) The effects of weather on daily mood: A multilevel approach. Emotion, 8(5), pp. 662-667.

Durvasula, S., Kok, C., Sambrook, P., Cumming, R., Lord, S., March, L., Mason, R., Seibel, M., Simpson, J. and Cameron, I. (2010) Sunlight and health: Attitudes of older people living in intermediate care facilities in southern Australia. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 51, pp. 94-99.

Gronlund, C., Zanobetti, A., Schwartz, J., Wellenius, G. and O’Neill, M. (2014) Heat, heat waves, and hospital admissions in the United States, 1992-2006. Environmental Health Perspectives, 122(11) November, pp. 1187-1192.

Harvard Health Publication. (2014) How does cold weather affect your health? [Online]. Harvard Health Publications: Harvard Medical School. Available from: <http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy> [Accessed 13^th April 2015].

Kenny, T and Harding, M. (2014) Sun and Health [Online]. Patient.co.uk. Available from: < http://www.patient.co.uk/health/sun-and-health> [Accessed 13^th April 2015].

Myers, A., Trang, A. and Crizzle, A. (2011) Naturalistic study of winter driving practices by older men and women: Examination of weather, road conditions, trip purposes, and comfort. Canadian Journal of Aging, 30(4) December, pp. 577-589.