How To Avoid Getting Sick
Seniors find summer disappearing with its opportunities to be outside, enjoying fresh air and sunshine. Fall has arrived and will soon be followed by winter. Health maintenance needs to be approached in a different format but remains important as Seniors are presented with other challenges to health with dropping temperatures.
1. Vaccinations
Begin preventing illness with vaccinations. Flu shots, traditionally available as early as September, are recommended by physicians before the peak season of December through March. However, it is never too late to have a flu immunization. Seniors may choose to have the most recent Covid booster given at the same time as their flu shot or each separately. Covid boosters offer additional protection against new variants, even if a Senior has had covid. Opinions vary on vaccinations, however, the benefits of being vaccinated and boosting the body’s antibodies far outweigh the risks. Seniors over the age of sixty-five should have a pneumonia vaccination and if chronic conditions exist, a booster every five years.
2. Stay Warm
Cooler weather dictates warmer clothing. Bring a jacket along if outside in the early morning or late evening. Tank tops and shorts may not be the appropriate attire, but long-sleeved tee shirts and lightweight pants are a simple segue. Continue to walk and exercise as long as the weather permits. Remember to wash your hands often.
3. Exercise
Exercise. Nature presents its brightest palette in the fall. Oranges, yellows, reds… all greet walkers or runners. If jogging is not your cup of pumpkin spice latte, rake leaves, find an indoor racquetball court, join a pickleball team, or prepare gardens for winter with some robust weeding. Immune systems are boosted when outdoors while the sun provides added vitamins.
4. Eat Healthy
Time spent outside also increases appetites. Say “no” to candy corn and salty football day snacks. Instead choose in season foods such as beets, brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, or one of the many squashes. Fresh apples and cranberries are at their peak during fall months. Pumpkin pie? Although the pie itself contains a high amount of sugar, pumpkin is one of the healthier foods harvested in fall. Pumpkins contain vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium and fiber. Healthy pumpkin recipes range from soup to muffins and seeds may be roasted for healthy snacking.
5. Get Enough Sleep
Start to anticipate time changes by adjusting schedules. Avoid caffeine and eat evening meals a little earlier in the evening as darkness appears sooner. Relax and get cozy as sunshine becomes less available. Avoid later naps to avoid sleepless nights. The National Institute on Aging recommends seven to nine hours of sleep for older adults and circadian rhythms takes almost a week to adjust to time changes.
We’re Here To Help
Bridge to Better Living is expert at adjusting to all changes. Consultants understand a transition to a new style of Senior Living (Independent, Assisted, Memory Assisted or Long-Term Care) commonly takes time. Prepare for Retirement Living by contacting Bridge to Better Living today. As William Shakespeare says… “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.”