By now you know the drill: gathering inside with people beyond your immediate household poses significant Covid risk, especially as the new Covid-19 variants take hold. And while many may shudder at the thought of gathering outside during the cold winter, it seems that not only is that the safest way to come together but, if embraced with the right attitude (and clothing), it may just give you the kind of mental and emotional boost needed to get through these dark days of winter. 

The science regarding the value of outdoor exposure is pretty clear: Being in nature can provide significant health benefits, and there are even studies that report 120 minutes outside, either at once or broken up during the week, is associated with good health and well being. But what about your attitude? If you’re dreading the departure from your warm home you’ll likely create a self-fulfilling prophecy of cold misery. Instead, those in the know suggest you adopt the Scandinavian way of a “positive winter mindset” recognizing there are a lot of positive opportunities for enjoyment if you embrace the cold (and dress accordingly). As the Norwegians say, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” With recommendations of multiple light, loose layers, and covered extremities (waterproof boots are key), you’re likely to weather the cold just fine. For some concrete suggestions of cold-weather gear, pull on your parka and read here.

Of course, being outside in cold weather is not without risk, especially for older adults. We know that the risk of a heart attack rises as the temperature drops, especially when the temperature falls below freezing. And we know that seniors are susceptible to such concerns as frostbite, hypothermia, or serious trauma from outside falls during cold and icy conditions. Moreover, if you’re planning to do some exercise out in the cold, it’s important to warm up those muscles inside before you exert yourself outside. And muted winter light or inclement conditions warrant extra precautions such as brightly colored clothing and emergency contact info in your jacket.

But assuming you’re in good health, none of these precautions should preclude you from heading outside this winter- your physical and mental health will definitely benefit from a change of scenery and your risk of Covid from a gathering will be greatly reduced (though don’t forget your mask and the all-important physical distancing!)