It seems like the on-going pandemic is not going to end anytime soon. And what makes it even more worrisome is the fact that the winter season is on the edge. It might appear to be fun for many of us, but it can be riskier and challenging for people in their old age. Our grandpas or grandmas need our care. Here are some winter care tips for elderly people to keep themselves healthy this winter season.
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1. Stay warm and cozy
Senior citizen’s body cannot endure the cold weather for longer durations. They may suffer from Hypothermia, i.e. an acute health condition which results in a sudden drop in body temperature. In order to prevent the senior members of the family from it, one needs to ensure that they have everything they need to keep themselves warm and cozy. You may light up electric heaters or make them sit under the sunny sky for some time.
2. Don’t be lazy, at all
Unlike in summers, the elderly people find it extremely tough to step out of their houses in winters. Not getting out of bed and staying indoors all day long is super tempting during winters. But being lazy is not a good thing. However, one can beat laziness by staying indoor as well. Regularly performing any form of physical activity at home can also increase the heart rate and help them keep winter problems away. For example, simple leg raises, rotating shoulders slowly, performing simple yoga asanas by watching them on YouTube or TV can be really helpful.
3. Energize yourself with good food
People in their old age need to kick-out fatigue from their bodies and fill it with the essential nutrients. Preparing a high-fiber diet for the elderly helps them keep themselves healthy and energetic during winters. Here are some food tips that need to be incorporated into the daily eating habits of the elderly-
- Citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, lemons, lime
- Deep color fruits like kiwi, cheeku, sharifa, etc.
- Fresh homemade vegetable juice with spinach, carrot, radish, beet-root (not for the person with diabetes), methi (fenugreek leaves), green peas
- Green leafy vegetables duly washed with clean water
- Homemade Soups
- 1 Egg daily or every alternate day in any form
- Milk and nuts
- Whole grain
4. Bless your skin with warm water
There is no downfall in the satisfaction equilibrium that a hot water shower gives during the winter season. However, a hot water bath can dry up your skin, further leading to cracks or eczema. It is recommended to use lukewarm water instead of hot water for taking bath to prevent skin burns and cracks. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin after bathing for a cotton-soft feel throughout the day.
5. Beware of the uncalled Dehydration
We usually don’t feel thirsty during winters like we feel in summers and end up not drinking enough water throughout the day. Hence, this can lead to dehydration as the lack of moisture in the air causes dryness which absorbs the water from the body. One has to have an intake of 2-3 liters of water daily, irrespective of the season. However, lukewarm water can be preferred more in the winter season but it should not fall short on the quantity. For completion of requirements, you can take water in different forms as well, such as soup, freshly extracted juices, green tea, etc.
Winters might constitute enough troubles especially for the people in their old-age. So, planning a healthy and safe winter with the above-listed winter care tips for the elderly is of utmost importance. So this winter, take care of yourself and your loved ones with the best preventive healthcare. Wish you all a healthy and joyful winter.