Top 5 Tips For A Healthy Spring Season For Seniors 2021
The spring season brings with it longer days of sunlight and increased temperatures as we slowly transition into the warmer months of the year! With the winter gloom finally behind us, it’s time to finally embrace the spring season and all of it’s joyous activities with your loved ones.
While this spring season may be unlike others with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and home lockdowns, we’re here to ensure you and your loved ones are able to take full advantage of a healthy and energetic spring. As many seniors are not as fine-tuned as their younger selves once were, here are some of our favourite tips for seniors to ensure you and your loved ones are feeling their best this spring season.
Enjoy Fresh and Seasonal Meals
Enjoying a home cooked meal or taking on cooking as a stay-at-home hobby is a home care staple, but something that is often overlooked is just how amazing and delicious spring season produce is!
Eating is an essential part of everyone’s life, regardless of your age, and the health benefits of eating fresh and seasonal produce will not only make you feel healthier, but can reduce the risks of future illnesses. As detailed in Healthline Media, benefits of eating fresh food include:
- Blood sugar control
- Skin nourishment and protection
- Reduces risk of diseases
- Promotes dental health and overeating
- Supports local farmers
In all, seasonal produce is just an amazing way to get in touch with the spring season for something that you’re already doing 3 times a day! For more information on which fruits and veggies are in season during the spring months, check out this seasonal eating guide from Food Network Canada!
Get Outside and Garden!
Gardening for seniors is an amazing activity that promotes both physical and mental stimulation, making it one of the best spring activities for senior care. Tending to a garden is not only a great way to enjoy fresh air and sunlight, but an engaging activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle, especially for seniors. Some health benefit include:
- Improved endurance and strength
- Reduced stress levels and increased relaxation
- Can prevent diseases, such as osteoporosis
- Encourages physical activity and the use of motor skills
Gardening also makes for the perfect home care activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as you’re able to tend to your plants and produce from the comfort and safety of your own private backyard or patio space. Just be sure to avoid any overexposure to sunlight and to stay properly nourished to fuel your gardening efforts!
Be Sure to Stay Hydrated
Whether you’re enjoying the outdoors with an afternoon stroll or simply relaxing outside under the spring sun, with heightened temperatures and increased activity rate, it’s important that you stay properly hydrated.
The Harvard Medical School Researchers recommend 4 to 6 glasses of water a day, or 30 to 50 ounces. You may even be able to notice when you’re dehydrated. Typical symptoms include lethargy (feeling tired or low energy), no urine or very concentrated urine, and low blood pressure among other symptoms. We recommend keeping a water bottle on stand-by and taking small sips throughout the day.
With these tips, you’ll be set for a healthy and energy filled spring season. For more senior care tips and advice, be sure to check out our other articles.
