The fall season is well underway. In case the cooler temperatures weren’t making it obvious, the summer is most certainly behind us. For most of us, adding a few extra layers is no big deal. Contending with colder days is a regular routine that isn’t all that hard to manage. For seniors, however, keeping warm can be a challenge. This is especially true for those who battle certain health conditions.
“Chronic conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems can make it harder for seniors to maintain a healthy body temperature,” informs CompanionsForSeniors.com, “Many seniors also take medication that can lead to dehydration, making it harder to stay warm. In other cases, older adults may be dealing with mobility loss or memory problems, which can make it harder to take action if they’re starting to feel uncomfortable.”
So what steps should be taken to ensure your elderly loved one’s warmth this fall?
Keep your elderly loved one active.
You’re not bound to read any list of health tips and find “exercise” missing. Keeping active is essential for one’s overall health, no matter his/her age. Naturally, exercise is also a key factor in keeping warm. Older adults are encouraged to engage in light exercise for a multitude of reasons. Among the most important are maintaining good blood circulation and keeping a healthy body temperature.
“It’s easier to feel cold if you’re sedentary,” notes CompanionsForSeniors.com, “Encourage your loved one to remain active, within limits — this could be as simple as regularly getting up and moving around their home, perhaps with the assistance of a supportive caregiver or companion. In other cases, light exercises like yoga or lifting weights can help promote healthy blood flow.”
Use the warmest rooms in the house.
You may not necessarily notice it, but there are rooms of the home that are warmer than others. The basement is usually the coolest room of the home. As we’re all aware, heat rises. Keep out of the chilly rooms during the fall and winter. If the basement is a room where your elderly loved one enjoys spending time (perhaps it as a comfortable area for watching TV or reading), try setting up such an environment upstairs.
“If a senior’s favourite room in the house is always cold once the outside temperature drops, help them get set up temporarily in a warmer area,” agrees California’s Alegre Home Care, “If some of the colder areas of the house don’t get used much, you may even want to close them off during the winter.”
Eat nutritious foods.
It may come as a surprise to you, but eating right is a key way to stay warm. Firstly, nutritious eating helps our immune systems to fight off colds and other illnesses. Secondly, warm nutritious foods do their part in helping our bodies maintain safe temperatures.
“Keep yourself well-fed with hearty, nutritious food in winter,” advises Australia’s retirement living provider, Seasons, “Pre-existing health issues or certain medications can cause loss of appetite, but it’s important to ensure that your body has all the nutrients it needs to maintain a healthy immune system. You can also make the most of hot drinks such as hot chocolate or tea to stay warm!”
At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we wish to do our part to keep your elderly loved ones safe and comfortable throughout the fall and winter. To learn all about our many mobility solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
