Seasonal Wellness Guide for Seniors in the Pikes Peak Region

Living in the shadow of Pikes Peak is one of life’s great privileges. The mountain views, the clean air, and the tight-knit communities of Colorado Springs and the surrounding region make this one of the most desirable places to age in place in the country. But the Pikes Peak region also comes with a unique set of seasonal health considerations — from high-altitude UV exposure and spring allergies to summer wildfire smoke and winter mood changes — that every senior and family caregiver should understand.

As your team from Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care Pikes Peak, we believe that staying informed is one of the most powerful things you can do to protect your health and independence. That’s why we’ve put together this seasonal wellness guide, complete with local safety resources, to help seniors and their families navigate every season with confidence.

Spring: Allergies, Outdoor Safety, and Getting Moving Again

Spring in Colorado Springs is beautiful — but it can also be tough on the respiratory system. The region has a long allergy season that starts in early spring and lasts into fall, with juniper and cottonwood trees releasing pollen first, usually from February through April [1]. Because the air in the Pikes Peak region is so dry, pollen stays in the air longer and travels farther than in more humid climates [1]. Windy days can make symptoms significantly worse [1].

For seniors managing allergies, a few practical steps can make a big difference:

• Start allergy medications two weeks before your symptoms typically begin [1].
• Use a saline nasal rinse once or twice a day to flush pollen [1].
• Keep windows closed on windy days and use air conditioning with a clean filter [1].

Spring is also the time when many seniors venture back outdoors after winter — and that’s wonderful. But it’s important to check outdoor walkways and steps carefully. After winter, outdoor steps and walkways may not be as safe as they used to be, with loose railings, uneven ground, or slippery surfaces that can quickly lead to a fall [2]. Take time to ensure that every set of stairs has a sturdy handrail within easy reach, and consider adding bright tape or paint to the edge of steps so they’re easier to see in the early morning or evening [2].

Spring cleaning is also a great opportunity to reduce fall hazards inside the home. Check for loose rugs, cords in walkways, or items stored where they’re hard to reach [2]. A clean, organized home supports independence and is one of the best ways to promote a safe environment for older adults to age in place [2].

Summer: Sun, Heat, Hydration, and Wildfire Smoke

Summer in the Pikes Peak region brings long, sunny days — but also some serious health risks that are amplified by the region’s high altitude.

UV Exposure at Altitude

At 6,035 feet, the sun’s UV rays are about 25 percent stronger than at sea level [1]. This means sunburn and skin damage can happen faster than many people expect, even on overcast days. Seniors should use broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen year-round, even in winter, and reapply every two hours when outdoors [1].

Hydration

At this elevation, your body loses moisture faster than at sea level [1]. Seniors are especially vulnerable to dehydration, and the combination of heat and altitude can make this risk even more pronounced. Aim to drink water proactively throughout the day — don’t wait until you feel thirsty [1].

Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire season in Colorado typically runs from May through September [3]. Wildfire smoke can make anyone sick, but older adults are among the groups at highest risk [3]. Smoke exposure can cause a sore throat, cough, itchy watery eyes, congestion, and shortness of breath — and at altitude, reduced lung function can make you feel especially fatigued [4].

Colorado’s 711,000 seniors are especially vulnerable to the health effects of wildfire smoke, as are people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease [5]. When air quality is poor, seniors should stay indoors when possible, especially those with preexisting health conditions [3]. You can check current air quality conditions and sign up for air quality alerts at AirNow.gov [6].

If you have asthma or another lung condition, have a plan ready before wildfire season starts and make sure your medications are up to date [1].

Fall and Winter: Mood, Balance, and Staying Connected

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Even though Colorado Springs enjoys more than 300 sunny days a year, the shorter winter days can affect your mood [1]. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during certain seasons and is linked to less daylight and changes in the body’s internal clock [1]. Morning light is one of the best ways to support your mood — try to go for a walk shortly after sunrise [1]. Some people find that a light therapy box with 10,000 lux, used for 20 to 30 minutes each morning, also helps [1]. If you notice low energy, sleep changes, or loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy, talk with a healthcare provider [1].

Fall Prevention Year-Round

Falls are a serious concern for seniors in every season. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall-related injury, and falls account for nearly 60% of injury-related hospital admissions among seniors [7]. The good news: regular exercise and home safety modifications can reduce fall risk by up to 50% [7].

The National Institute on Aging recommends several key steps to prevent falls at home [8]:

• Ensure there are handrails on both sides of any stairs, and make sure they are secure.
• Use motion-activated lights that plug into electrical outlets and automatically turn on when you walk by them to illuminate stairwells and pathways.
• Keep areas where you walk tidy — don’t leave books, papers, clothes, or shoes on the floor or stairs.
• Check that all carpets are fixed firmly to the floor so they won’t slip.

Balance impairment is one of the leading causes of falls [9]. Seniors should report any new feelings of dizziness to their doctor and have their medications reviewed, as some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness that contributes to fall risk [7].

Activities like Tai Chi and yoga, available at local senior centers in Colorado Springs, can also help improve balance and reduce fall risk [9]. Colorado ranks as the eighth healthiest state in the nation and second in the nation for highest engagement in physical activity among individuals over 65 — a great reminder that staying active is both possible and important [10].

Know Your Local Safety Alerts: Peak Alerts

One of the most important things any senior or family caregiver in the Pikes Peak region can do is sign up for Peak Alerts — the local emergency notification system.

Peak Alerts are notifications sent through a system called Everbridge by public safety agencies in El Paso and Teller Counties [11]. They notify you of emergency situations that threaten life or property, including wildfires, flooding, evacuation notices, law enforcement activity, missing persons, and more [11]. You can receive alerts via phone call, text, email, fax, or through a mobile app [11].

Recently, El Paso County’s Emergency Management team unveiled a new public information map that works hand-in-hand with the Peak Alerts system, allowing residents to see exactly where an emergency is and how close they are to it [12]. Officials emphasize that relying solely on social media during emergencies can delay access to accurate information, and that signing up for Peak Alerts ensures residents receive timely, verified instructions directly from emergency officials [13].

As Ben Bills, public information officer for the El Paso-Teller 911 Authority, put it: “Increasing participation is critical to keeping our community safe” [13].

To sign up, visit PeakAlerts.org. You can register up to five addresses — including your home, a family member’s home, or a caregiver’s location — so you receive alerts no matter where you are [11].

The Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management (PPROEM) also recommends creating plans for family communication, special needs, and household matters before an emergency occurs [14]. You can learn more about local emergency preparedness at pproem.com.

How Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care Pikes Peak Supports Your Seasonal Wellness

Navigating seasonal health risks is much easier when you have consistent, compassionate support at home. That’s exactly what Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care Pikes Peak is here to provide. Our local caregivers — many of whom are seniors themselves — understand the unique challenges of living and aging in the Pikes Peak region. From helping with spring cleaning and fall-hazard removal to accompanying seniors on outdoor walks during allergy season, our team is here to provide the kind of practical, day-to-day support that keeps seniors safe and independent through every season.

We also help families stay connected and informed. Whether it’s making sure a loved one has signed up for Peak Alerts, checking that smoke detectors are working, or simply being a trusted presence during a wildfire smoke advisory, our caregivers are partners in your family’s safety plan. Serving families throughout Colorado Springs, Monument, and the greater El Paso County area, Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care Pikes Peak offers flexible, non-medical in-home care built on trust, reliability, and genuine community connection.

If you’re looking for a local care partner who truly understands the Pikes Peak region — and who treats your loved one with the dignity and respect they deserve — we’d love to connect. Reach out to Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care Pikes Peak today to learn more about how we can help your family stay safe, healthy, and at home through every season.

References

[1] https://totalcarefc.com/local-wellness-colorado-springs-lifestyle-guide/
[2] https://synergyhomecare.com/knowledge-center/spring-safety-tips-seniors-prevent-falls/
[3] https://cdphe.colorado.gov/outdoor-burning/wildfire-smoke-and-health
[4] https://www.colorado.edu/today/2021/07/12/wildfire-smoke-bad-your-health
[5] https://www.coloradohealthinstitute.org/research/colorados-climate-and-colorados-health
[6] https://www.coloradohealthinstitute.org/blog/wildfires-shut-downs-and-behavior-change-2020-has-been-big-year-air-quality-and-health
[7] https://allseniors.org/articles/preventing-senior-slip-and-fall-injuries-best-practices-for-2025-2026/
[8] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/preventing-falls-home-room-room
[9] https://www.aarp.org/home-living/fall-prevention-safety-tips/
[10] https://agefriendlypikespeak.org/
[11] https://www.elpasoteller911.org/peak-alerts
[12] https://www.koaa.com/news/local-news/el-paso-county-launches-a-new-public-information-map-to-track-emergencies-and-combat-misinformation
[13] https://coloradosprings.gov/news/new-emergency-alert-map-launches-officials-urge-residents-sign-peak-alerts
[14] https://pproem.com/