A Spring Tune-Up for Seniors
As spring approaches and our normal post-holiday routine returns, there is often an awakening inside us. We are ready to tackle big projects, do spring cleaning and turn over a new leaf. It also is a great time of the year to focus on wellness, especially for senior citizens. It is a time for new habits or reawakening old healthy ones. As seniors set out on this journey, here are some suggestions for a spring tuneup for seniors.
Get Checked Out
Before beginning any new routines, it is a great idea to visit the doctor. Get a handle on your numbers, from cholesterol to blood pressure, and see if there is anything you need to work on. Target your spring plans to focus on those areas. If you are planning to change your eating routine or amp up your exercise this spring, talk to your doctor first. Ensure that any medications you are on will not interfere with specific foods or impact your exertion level.
Eat With the Seasons
Commit to healthy eating this spring. As the weather warms, the crop of fresh fruits and vegetables expands through spring in Northwest Texas. For health and wellness, seek out the freshest food for the season. Eat them raw, or come up with recipes that incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits. Plan out your dinners and desserts around the ripening produce of the season.
Here are some of the fruits, vegetables and herbs ripening this coming season in Northwest Texas and beyond:
*Spring Allums
*Citrus
*Radicchio
*Avocados
*Beets
*Broccoli
*Cabbage
*Carrots
*Baby Arugula
*Greens
*Leeks
*Fennel
*Cilantro
*Parsley
*Mushrooms
*Onions
*Peas
*Strawberries
Head to a local store that carries some of the freshest produce that you love, including Sprouts in Southlake. Or head to a farmers market, such as the one in Grapevine, and pick out some new, interesting looking produce and try it out.
Head Outside and to the Sun
Put fresh air on your to-do list. There is nothing like breathing it in on a perfect spring morning. While seniors won’t want to overdo the sun exposure, if possible, seniors should try to get outside at least a few times a week to enjoy the fresh air and soak up the sun. As people age, they often lack Vitamin D. This is especially true of seniors. The sun can help with that. Vitamin D can also help with a senior’s mood, energy, insomnia and more. However, While the sunshine is great, it is important for seniors to protect themselves from too much sun exposure. Applying sunscreen or putting on a wide-brimmed hat before heading outside is a good idea.
Get Moving More
For wellness, seniors can pledge to move more this spring. Signing up for organized classes such as kickboxing or water aerobics is a great idea for movement and a fun way for seniors to socialize with others. However, movement doesn’t even need to be organized or formal. Seniors can plan walks each morning with friends or simply get their movement in by planting new spring flowers in pots for the patio. Figure out what type of movement you enjoy, and plan for that each day. There are so many ways to work it into the lives of seniors. They can try out pickleball for the first time or sign up for a senior tennis league. Or they can chase the grandkids around the playground. Find out what works best for you.
Visiting Angels Is Here To Help
If you are looking for someone to help the seniors in your life this spring or any season of the year, our caregivers at Visiting Angels Southlake will help provide expert care when you need it most. Our professionally trained caregivers can help seniors stay on track when it comes to taking medications, going on walks, eating healthy meals, and just being ready to face the day. To find out how Visiting Angels can help meet your senior’s needs, contact us. We will come into your home for a free assessment. Our professional caregivers can help with everything from companion care to personal care. We also offer specialty care services, helping with fall prevention and helping seniors suffering from dementia and Alzheimers.
Visiting Angels serves seniors in the Southlake area, including Colleyville, Grapevine, Haslet, Haltom, Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Keller, Roanoke, Northlake, Trophy Club and Westlake. To help determine your needs, we can come to your home and develop a care plan tailored to your needs. Find us online or call us at (817) 684-1996 for more information.
If you are interested in caring for senior clients in your community, we are always hiring compassionate caregivers.