Top 4 Year-Round Health Tips for Seniors

Summer can be a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather. However, the higher temperatures can also mean an increased risk for heatstroke, dehydration, and insect-born illnesses. Since seniors are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke, take steps to find relief from the heat. Every year before they’re needed, clean and test air conditioners and replace their filters. If you don’t have central air or installed AC units, you can easily add a portable air conditioner to the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the den or bedroom. Plus, it’s wise to keep box fans handy for a quick cooling option.

Because of the increased energy demand on municipal power grids from homes running air conditioning in the summer, heat waves can also cause loss of power. Therefore, if you live in a warm climate, investing in a solar-powered generator may be a wise choice. If you do lose power without a backup plan, you can either relocate to a cooler location or cool off with a wet towel, cold bath, or chilled ice pack. It’s also a good idea to keep a water bottle nearby to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Fall brings with it the perfect chance to get outdoors and enjoy the crisp air. If you live in a region with long, cold winters, make the most of outdoor living during the autumn months. Some of the challenges this season can bring include increased skin dryness, sinus irritation from wildfire smoke, and the physical labor of yard work due to falling leaves.

To relieve dryness on your skin, have plenty of moisturizer and lip balm on hand and apply it liberally and often. Another step to take that will help treat irritated nasal passages is to use a humidifier in your home. You can either choose a whole-home humidifier or buy one just big enough to add moisture to the air in your bedroom while you sleep.

If you live in an area prone to wildfires, be prepared in advance to combat poor air quality. Invest in an air purifier to rid the air of unwanted particles, no matter the time of year.

For taking care of your lawn and garden, reach out to younger friends and neighbors to help you manage fallen foliage. Obviously, if you are feeling spry, you can always pitch in yourself. While it’s a good opportunity to get in some exercise, be careful not to overexert yourself. If you do experience soreness after a day of scooping up leaves, recover nicely with a soothing massager to relieve your minor aches and pains.

When the temperature drops and the ground gets slick from any freeze and re-freeze cycles, it’s sometimes hard to enjoy a walk around the neighborhood. However, regular exercise is still important. Therefore, if you know it will be too cold to exercise outside in winter, think ahead by purchasing some home fitness equipment. Whether your budget allows for cardio equipment such as a treadmill or exercise bike, or your space is limited to a yoga mat and hand weights, there are plenty of options to stay active inside when it’s snowy outside. Although if you do decide to head outdoors for a brisk walk, make sure you wear shoes with traction to help you avoid falls on icy sidewalks.

Like summer, winter poses temperature issues, just on the other end of the spectrum. To ensure you stay toasty and warm inside when it’s freezing outside, remember to check and clean all relevant heating systems in your home before the cold weather begins. For extra warmth and comfort, consider keeping a space heater handy or store electric blankets in living rooms and bedrooms.

Finally, since there is less sunlight during winter, there is an increased risk for diminished mental health. These darker months can increase your chances of experiencing seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). To defend against this condition, try using a light therapy lamp on a daily basis for around 15 minutes each session, or as recommended within the product specifications. These LED light devices help to boost your vitamin D levels and can make a significant difference in overall mood.

Spring is a time for renewal and rejuvenation. It is also a good opportunity to assess your health and wellness, to deep clean the house, and to check in with your doctor for any annual screenings. Go ahead and embrace the natural uplifting vibe of the season by trying new things, visiting new places, and meeting new people. Your body will be craving some sunlight and warmth after several months of winter, so get outside by enjoying an arboretum, visiting local gardens, or planting one in your own backyard.

A popular activity that encourages spending time outdoors and appreciating the beauty of your surroundings is birdwatching. The sound of birds chirping is a sure sign of spring, and it can be fun to identify what types of birds are visiting your yard or nearby park. What’s even better news is that the only equipment needed to take up this hobby is a good set of binoculars and a guide to native birds in your state. You might even run into other birdwatching enthusiasts while out and about with whom you can share your findings and rare sightings.

For some, there is one downside to flowers blooming and trees getting back their leaves: the return of allergy season. If you experience seasonal allergies due to environmental factors such as pollen and ragweed, you are likely prone to symptoms like a runny nose and watery itchy eyes. Placing air purifiers around your home can help cut down on the presence of allergen particles that make their way inside. High humidity in the air can add to your discomfort when you’re experiencing an allergic reaction, so using a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture level in your home will help alleviate your seasonal cold symptoms.

In addition to finding ways to stay active and enjoy the best moments each season has to offer, there are tips that may overlap, depending on the climate where you live. It’s important to take precautions against mosquito bites during every season but winter when they are dormant, as these insects might carry diseases like the West Nile virus. If you hike or garden, be sure to regularly check for ticks that are commonly found during warmer weather in woods and yards with abundant foliage. To protect yourself from any illnesses that insects can transmit, wear bug spray when participating in outdoor activities. When you are outside on the patio or deck, use electronic insect repellants that aid in keeping pests at bay. You can also find netting to place around 3-season porches, gazebos and other structures to prevent bugs from getting into relaxing spaces.

By being prepared for every season, you can fully enjoy the activities each one offers and prevent against the unique challenges they might bring. Plus, most of the items suggested in the tips above can be useful for several seasons – or even all four – which helps you make the most of your budget, too.