Winter care for senior citizens
For all its comfort, winter also brings with it a number of challenges. Most of these health-related risks can have undesirable effects, especially for the elderly. Here is a list of tips and best practices to help senior citizens avoid common cold and other weather-related problems this winter.
Stay active: Indulge in low-impact exercises that pump up blood and provide warmth to the heart. Though it may get difficult to move out of bed during these months, engaging in routine exercises like walking should still become a habit. You can even do it at noon when the winter sun is up.
Track your meals and medicines: Stock up on all essential medicines and consume small meals throughout the day to keep yourself healthy and energised. Eat food rich in vitamins such as green vegetables and citrus fruits which make the skin more resilient and less prone to dryness. Keep yourself hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water even if you do not feel thirsty.
Stay warm: Seniors who have cardiovascular conditions may experience increased side effects in the cold. Ensure your house, if not centrally heated, has heaters and hot-water bottles at the ready. Wear your woollens especially mittens and caps. The skin tends to become thinner during winters, hence, it is imperative to wear lightweight layers. Humidifiers in the house is a great way to keep the air moisturised and clean.
Stay hydrated: It is natural to not feel as thirsty during winter as you usually do around the year. However, since there is a lack of moisture in the air, the dryness can extract water from your body. Make sure you maintain an abundant intake of water. If you do not feel like having chilled water, drink water at room temperature or make yourself a lukewarm lemonade that you can sip on throughout the day.
Take care of your skin: The cold and dry air can make your skin's natural oils vanish, and nobody likes dry, itchy or flaky skin! While the human body is designed to keep the outer skin healthy and hydrated, winters make it difficult for the oil or sweat glands to do their job effectively. Using certain skincare products and following a strict routine can go a long way in ensuring that your skin stays fresh, soft and healthy.
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