October 22, 2022
Summer is over, and winter is on its way. While you may enjoy the crisp fall air, the weather change can elevate the possibility of seasonal colds. What to do? The good news is that you do not need to avoid outings to stay healthy. The best defense is an offense when managing your health. Residents of senior homes have found the support necessary to manage their health. For example, Beacon Crest Senior Living offers round-the-clock medical care, nutritionally dense meals, and plenty of community activities. Whether you live at home or in a senior living community, we have got you covered. Instead of dreading the change of season, older adults can take these precautions to boost their immune systems.
EAT NUTRITIOUS MEALS
Did you know that nutritionally dense meals can boost the immune system? Vitamin D-rich foods such as salmon, oranges, and milk help the body absorb and retain calcium. Vitamin C helps in controlling infections and healing wounds. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus, cruciferous vegetables, and white potatoes. Fruits such as bananas, apples, and blueberries are high in vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is essential for red blood cell formation and nerve function. Not only are healthy foods delicious, but they help support an active lifestyle.
WASH YOUR HANDS
Remember when your parents, your teachers, and your school nurses told you to wash your hands? They were right. The CDC recommends handwashing before and after mealtimes, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. After lathering soap on your hands, scrub vigorously for at least twenty seconds. If you need a timer for the length of handwashing, the “Happy Birthday” song is about the right length. Afterward, rinse with cool water and dry thoroughly on a clean towel.
REDUCE STRESS WHILE STAYING ACTIVE
Has the weather got you feeling down? Are you feeling stressed while staying in your home during the cooler weather? Did you know that meeting with friends for a lunch date or adding gentle exercise into your day can help boost your endorphin levels? Endorphins are chemicals released by the body during exercise. The release of endorphins can encourage relaxation and increase feelings of joy. Both the brain and the body benefit from exercise. Other positive effects of exercise are increased mobility in older adults, flexibility, and muscle strengthening. Are you concerned about stress on the joints? Types of exercise, such as swimming or chair yoga, encourage mobility without the negative aspect of joint stress.
MAXIMIZE YOUR HYDRATION AND YOUR SLEEP
The National Institute of Aging recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night for older adults. Did you know circadian rhythms are the body’s natural cycles? In order to align our sleep schedules with our circadian rhythms, it is recommended to sleep when it is dark outside. For restorative sleep, experts recommend going to bed before midnight. What about hydration? It is recommended for older adults to consume six to eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid each day. While we know water is good for us, it can be tricky to incorporate this into our daily mealtimes. How do we make time to drink eight glasses of water during breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Individuals have found buying a reusable water bottle encourages a higher level of water intake throughout the day. Foods such as vegetables and fruits can also aid in supporting hydration. Are you curious about senior homes? Residents in senior communities report more restful sleeping patterns due to peaceful living environments.
