Five Spring Health Tips for Seniors
Spring is here; for seniors, this is the perfect time to start implementing new health routines and habits. Doing so can make a huge difference in their quality of life and help seniors stay healthy and active.
Here are five health tips for seniors to get the most out of this spring season.
1. Connect with Other Seniors in Your Community
As we get older, our social circles can become smaller. To stay connected and active, seniors should look for ways to meet other seniors in their area. This could include attending events, joining senior-friendly clubs, or even starting their own support group.
A solid social circle can provide valuable emotional and physical benefits. For example, spending time with friends and family can reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness, and decrease the risk of health conditions like depression, heart disease, and diabetes.
2. Up Your Vitamin D Intake
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bone development, mental health, and protection against certain diseases. Unfortunately, many seniors are deficient in vitamin D due to limited sun exposure and other lifestyle factors. In fact, one 2018 study has shown that 44% of older men and 26% of older women have a very severe vitamin deficiency.
There are several ways seniors can get more vitamin D, including:
- Eating foods like fortified milk, fatty fish, and eggs
- Getting 15 minutes of sun exposure each day (with sunscreen)
- Taking a vitamin D supplement
With the pleasant and warm weather spring brings, it’s the perfect time for seniors to get outside and soak up some vitamin D.
3. Apply Sunscreen Regularly
Although spring doesn’t seem as harsh as summer, it’s still important for seniors to wear sunscreen when going outside. Not only does this protect against sunburns, but it also protects against skin cancer and premature aging.
Look for a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, and be sure to reapply as needed. It’s also beneficial for seniors to wear protective clothing and hats.
4. Spend Time with Family Members and Friends
With the start of spring comes a plethora of new activities and community events that seniors can attend. Attending events like farmer’s markets and outdoor movie screenings can be a great way to bond with family and friends. By strengthening existing social connections and getting regular social interaction, seniors can experience a range of psychological, physical, and mental health benefits.
5. Start Eating More Fruits and Vegetables
Eating more fruits and vegetables is an easy way for seniors to boost their nutrition. Not only are they packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but they’re also low in calories and fat.
The spring season brings a variety of fresh fruits into harvest time, so consider trying something new or stocking up on spring favorites.
Some of the best ways to add fruits and vegetables to a senior’s diet include:
- Smoothies
- Salads and soups
- Fresh veggies with hummus
- Oatmeal with fresh berries
- Fruit platters and veggie trays
In addition, eating meals with family and friends can encourage seniors to eat healthier and enjoy their food more.
Final Thoughts
These five spring health tips can help seniors stay healthy, active, and connected with their community. The start of spring is the perfect time to try new things and establish healthy habits that will last all year round. In addition, the warm weather offers many seniors a great opportunity to get outside and start fresh.
At Visiting Angels Rockford, IL, our home care providers can assist seniors with many of their activities of daily living, including meal preparation and transportation. We can also provide emotional support and companionship to help seniors stay engaged in their communities and loved ones. Reach out online today or call us at 815-977-3452 for more information about our home care services.