Practical gifts to keep seniors warm and cozy in the winter months

Many seniors have a hard time warming up as they get older. One of the most common reasons for this is decreasing circulation as the walls of the blood vessels become less pliable, as well as the diminished fat layer under the skin that normally helps conserve body heat. Slower metabolisms also mean that older people get cold more quickly than when they were younger.

Other reasons why older adults are often cold include:

• Side effects from medications
• Poor eating habits
• Lack of exercise that further inhibits circulation
• Financial concerns that lead them to reduce heat during the winter months

Help your loved one stay warm and cozy with these practical and easy-to-use items that make great gifts for the holidays, birthdays or other celebrations.

These easy-on-and-off house shoes with an adjustable strap are great for any older man with cold feet, but they’re perfect for those with diabetes or other ailments that cause foot swelling or sensitivity. The fleece lining will keep their feet warm, and the non-skid sole will keep them safe.

Does the older woman in your life love animals? These adorable slipper socks are available in 20 different animal face designs that will not only keep her toes toasty but bring a smile to her face as well. 

Fans of the TV show “Shark Tank” may be familiar with this product! Your older adult will love this enveloping, hooded wearable blanket that fits anyone, no matter how large or small. With six available colors (depending on availability), it has ample pockets for tissues, a cell phone, or anything else your loved one might need while snuggled up in front of the TV or reading a good book.

Barefoot Dreams products, from blankets to socks and more, are favorites for those looking for ways to add a little warmth to their days. This cardigan is a perfect gift for the older woman in your life because it keeps her comfortable without being too bulky, so she can wear it under a long winter coat when she goes out or around the house for an extra layer of coziness.

Take the chill away by wrapping your older loved one in this wearable blanket with a heated, vibrating footrest to keep their feet warm and relaxed. With three heat settings and three vibration settings to customize the experience for even the pickiest person, there’s no need to worry about overheating because it comes with an automatic shut-off—so when your older adult dozes off, they’ll be safe.

Sometimes, getting warm from the inside can make all the difference on a cold day. The Twinings Tea Variety Pack will allow your senior to try flavors they may not have tasted before, like chai French vanilla or Lapsang Souchong. Add an insulated mug to keep their tea hot, and they’ll be sipping in no time.

If tea isn’t going to do the trick, how about a hot toddy to add a little heat to your loved one’s day? This hot toddy mix just needs a splash of bourbon to make it deliciously soothing and tasty. 

If your hands are cold, you’ll never be warm, and for older adults, their hands are often the coldest part of their bodies. You may want to buy two of these – one for each pocket – to make sure your senior’s hands are always comfortable. The rechargeable battery means they’ll never run out of power. The handwarmer comes in nine colors, with a two-pack available in black.

Could there possibly be anything warmer than soft, snuggly flannel sheets on a cold night? Your older loved one will adore getting into bed and being wrapped in the coziness of flannel for a good night’s sleep. These sheets are available in five soft colors for all bed sizes.

Add a boost of warmth to bedtime with an electric heating mattress pad. This quilted layer for the most comfortable bed your loved one could want includes two controllers for queen and king mattresses and an automatic shut-off after 10 hours. Staying warm at night will help them sleep better to feel good in the morning.