As children, we often have fond memories of the winter months. Remember eagerly waiting for that first snow? How about enjoying sledding or joyfully making snow angels when it finally arrived? Or hoping for a storm big enough to close school? As adults and seniors, the once beloved winter often transforms into inconvenience and isolation.

It’s important, however, to stay active and engaged when the temperatures dip. There’s fun to be had, if you have the right attitude. Don’t hibernate, but instead, look for new ventures to engage your inner child.

Here are some ways how:

If you were to hire someone to say, do your landscaping or put an addition on your house, you would most likely research their qualifications, conduct an interview or even check references to ensure you made the best and most informed decision. The same goes for finding the right person to care for your health. Finding a new primary care physician (PCP) is a significant decision that can significantly impact the quality of your life, especially if you are a senior.

Anyone who knows me, is certainly aware that I have very strong feelings about how we should deliver health care – especially to older patients. That’s why I’m so proud that I’m part of an effort to expand geriatric health care access to Hebrew SeniorLife’s primary care medical services to more and more seniors both within and beyond the walls of HSL’s senior housing communities.

One in ten seniors in America is at risk for hunger. And the senior hunger problem is only getting worse – the number of adults over age 50 who are at risk has increased 79% since 2001. Hunger at any age is a serious concern, but for seniors, a lack of nutritious food can have considerable impacts on health and independence.

My connection to Hebrew SeniorLife extends beyond my residency at NewBridge on the Charles, a senior community of Hebrew SeniorLife. As a former Hebrew SeniorLife Board Chair, the concept of ReAge is near and dear to my heart. ReAge is best realized when community members are able to support the concept and the organization as a whole. ReAge thrives because members of the Hebrew SeniorLife community, both residents and supporters, are sending a message about how we look at aging and how we adapt to the changing needs of our community.