There are many things that we all love about the winter season. From cozy fires to hot chocolate and spending quality time with loved ones, winter presents so many positive things for us to enjoy. However, it does also have its own set of challenges. When it comes to the health of older adults, it is important to make early preparation so your loved ones can better manage their ailments. Here are some tips to help you or a loved one prepare for flu season.
Flu Vaccine
As we get older, it is normal to experience a decline in our health as our immunity becomes weaker. This is even more significant in older adults who are also experiencing other medical conditions. Due to this reason, the flu can pose critical health implications which may even lead to fatality. Even if it is still too early, it does not hurt to get your flu vaccine. It is also important for those who are within your social circle to get vaccinated too.
Storm Preparation
Snowstorms may cause your older loved ones to become stranded which may lead to isolation. This can in turn leave them stranded without access to basic necessities. Always prepare for a snowstorm in advance if your area is prone to disaster. Equip their kitchen with things like flashlights, candles, warm blankets, canned food, clean water, and others. There are also emergency response remote systems that your older loved ones can use to activate their family members in case they need help. You may also wish to keep the telephone numbers of your loved one’s neighbors to help check on them during an emergency.
Eating Healthy
Eating healthily is important at any age. However, it is even more crucial as we age. Eating well-balanced diets that help us to fulfill our daily nutritional needs can help us to maintain good body immunity. You can help your older loved ones prepare nutrient-rich foods that can be frozen to be reheated during winter.
Staying Active
Again, everyone needs to stay active so as to take care of our general well-being. Cold weather is no reason for us to resort to a sedentary lifestyle which can implicate our health. You can help your older loved ones to make sure that they wear non-slip shoes and put on thick layers of clothing so they can stay warm and safe while exercising. There are also many senior living communities that offer on-site health and wellness programs that aim to stimulate the mind and keep the body active.
Stay Socially-Engaged
It is normal for older adults who are aging in place without other family members to feel lonely and isolated especially during winter when everyone else is staying indoors. To avoid this feeling of vulnerability, you can encourage your older loved ones to sign up for social activities such as baking classes, aerobics, dance, and others. Some community centers also provide complimentary transportation services so you can rest assured that your loved ones will get to and from their social activities in comfort and safety.
