Keeping Seniors Healthy During the Changing Seasons

The cold and flu season is approaching once again and it is important to understand proper flu prevention techniques. Those over the age of 65 and caregivers are the most vulnerable to getting sick. For seniors, the flu can be devastating to their health due to the human body’s immune defenses becoming weaker with age. However, there are many things that you can do to keep you and your loved one safe during this time of the year. For example, consider getting a seasonal flu vaccine before the end of October to ensure you and your loved one continue to stay healthy throughout the cold months.

As mentioned earlier, older adults tend to be more vulnerable to the flu especially those with chronic diseases. These complications can cause bigger problems and possibly lead to being admitted into a hospital. Unfortunately, caregivers and family members are also susceptible to getting sick because of the time allotted for germs to spread while together. In this article, we will discuss in detail a few additional ways for seniors to stay healthy during the flu season.

Get the flu vaccine:

Although sometimes controversial, receiving the influenza vaccination is one of the most effective methods of protecting yourself from the flu. The CDC notes that “Vaccination is especially important for people 65 years and older because they are at high risk for complications from flu.” The antibodies found in the flu vaccine provide your immune system with protection against infection of the viruses found in the vaccine.

Wash Your Hands:

It can be very easy to prevent influenza breakouts and reduce the severity of the symptoms. When it comes to staying healthy during flu season, simple hygiene precautions can go a long way. Remember to wash your hands often and thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Covering your mouth when coughing can also help prevent germs from spreading. It is ideal to make sure you get plenty of rest during flu seasons to ensure that your immune system stays strong. Therefore, during these changing seasons, remember to stay safe, clean and well-rested to prevent getting the flu.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle:

It is important for everyone to stay active all year long, especially seniors. It is well documented that physical activity is safe for healthy and frail older people. As we age, our body naturally starts to lose our muscle and immune system strength, so it’s important that activity levels are maintained. This can range from low intensity walking to recreational sports and indoor household chores. Studies show that staying active increases your immune system strength and could reduce the risk of getting sick by ⅓. Regular physical activity also helps to improve mental functions as well as keep older people mobile and independent longer.

At Spring Hills Senior Communities, we take the necessary precautions to preserve the health and safety of our seniors. We understand that the flu can be a very serious complication for seniors and is important to keep them healthy and safe during the changing seasons. To learn more about our holistic approach to senior care, contact us.