Figuring Out How to Stay Healthy as a Senior This Fall

By Wendy Cregger | October 18, 2022 |

Many individuals endure symptoms of depression and lethargy when the level of sunlight falls, and temperatures drop. This happens every fall, and it is something that no one can control. Appetite preferences may shift toward dense meals rich in carbs and calories, and physical activity may decrease. All of these may contribute to decreased energy levels.

Seniors may be impacted by the seasons more than you realize. It is essential to hire a home care professional to help ensure your senior is being taken care of even when you’re not around. These professionals may help a senior battle the blues this fall and winter. Here are some other ways to ensure your senior is staying healthy during the colder seasons.

They Should Continue to Exercise

Home Care Owings Mills, MD: Staying Healthy

During the winter and autumn months, keep your body moving. This might involve both domestic duties and indoor exercises. Walking is an excellent kind of cardiovascular workout. If the weather does not enable going outdoors, seniors might attempt indoor cardio activities. It is so crucial for a senior to never stop moving. When they stop doing exercises, this is when pain can actually increase and when they may start feeling less independent, further lowering their moods. Home care can help a senior by motivating them to get up and do something, even if it is just a five-minute stretch in the living room.

Try Eating Seasonally

Many seniors don’t understand the importance of nutrition and diet, but it is something you all need to think about regardless of age. Nutrition is what keeps the body going and healthy. However, not all food is good for the body. Eating seasonally will help ensure a senior gets the right amount of fresh foods filled with nutritional value. While some fresh food may vanish from supermarket shelves as winter approaches, there are still plenty of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables to select from. They will find apples, figs, squash, and leeks during the fall season, which will all make a great meal.

Ensure a Senior is Getting Enough Vitamin D

Vitamin D, which is produced in the body by sunshine, aids in the maintenance of healthy bones and muscles. As the hours of sunshine decline in the autumn, alternative sources of vitamin D may be required. Some of the food with the most vitamin D include white mushrooms, salmon, and orange juice. If you think your senior needs more vitamins, they may want to get some blood work done to know exactly what kind of vitamins they’re missing.

Avoid Unnecessary Risks

Seniors should be prepared for colder weather in order to reduce the need to expose themselves to potentially dangerous situations. Their residence should be well-stocked with resources such as food and meds. This includes non-perishable items like water, candles, new batteries, and extra blankets. Inspect furnaces and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Set up autumn leaf raking and winter snow removal services, particularly for the elderly with chronic diseases, which should not be doing these duties.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Owings Mills, MD please contact the caring staff at Help at Home Services, LLC today. (443) 275-1524

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Wendy Cregger

Marketing Director at Help at Home Services, LLC

Help at Home Services’ mission is to provide superior service through the same care, concern and compassion that we give our own families.

With our 15 years of experience as a residential service agency, licensed by the State of Maryland Department of Health, we provide families with peace of mind that their loved one is in good hands.

Non-medical services are provided by certified nursing assistants. All caregivers are thoroughly screened, bonded and insured using comprehensive background checks.

Each client is matched with the caregiver who can best meet the care plan and homemaker services specific to the needs of the individual, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted-living or nursing community.

Help at Home Services takes great pride in the services that we provide. We have several specialized programs that sets us apart. Whether you are dealing with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's/dementia, or you are recovering from joint replacement surgery we can help you conquer the tasks that prove to be challenging. We also have a transition home program and provide a discharge planning guide to ensure that you have considered all aspects of life at home after hospitalization.