In the first part of the article related to the health of the elderly in the cold seasons of the year, I explained the problems of winter for the elderly, frostbite, and its symptoms. In this section, I want to share some tips that reduce the effect of cold on the elderly body and its dangers.
The health of the elderly in the cold seasons of the year
Due to the changes in physical conditions, the elderly need more care during old age. This care, which increases in the cold seasons of the year, is necessary to protect the health of the elderly. The body of the elderly produces less heat due to reduced metabolism. For this reason, staying home during the cold seasons is better so that diseases such as flu and colds do not endanger their health.
Frostbite is another problem that occurs for people, especially the elderly. This issue has various symptoms and should be addressed as soon as possible so that it does not cause more severe problems for the elderly. In old age, there are many care behaviours that, if followed, affect the health of a person and are less endangered.
Nutrition tips for the cold seasons of the year
In the cold seasons of the year, diseases such as colds and flu are more common. That’s why you need to take care of the elderly more. One of the ways that people can strengthen their immune systems and prevent such diseases is through proper nutrition. The elderly should pay special attention to their health. People in old age have little mobility and should consider that inactivity and obesity can put them in a more difficult situation.
Doctors recommend that the elderly eat three meals properly to benefit from valuable and nutritious substances. Also, by doing daily activities at home, they can prevent obesity and diseases caused by it. Proper nutrition becomes more important to correct body metabolism in the winter. We recommend the consumption of fruits and vegetables to the elderly in these conditions. Fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits and vegetables such as spinach, pumpkin, cabbage and chives can significantly protect the health of the elderly, especially in the cold seasons.
To eat vegetables, you should steam them. In this case, you don’t use oil, and it is easier for the elderly to digest them. We recommend the consumption of all kinds of seeds, meat and grains to the elderly in the cold seasons of the year. Also, to strengthen joints and bones, doctors recommend using dairy products. For example, in the winter, you can use warm milk at night.
Heart conditions of the elderly in the cold seasons of the year
Heart attacks and blood pressure problems in the cold seasons threaten the elderly health more. The body feels colder and does not provide the required heat metabolism. For this reason, the heart is more active in providing the heat needed by the body. As a result, the sympathetic nervous system works more, which increases heart rate and blood pressure. The sympathetic nervous system releases catecholamine hormones and, in this way, reduces stress in the body.
The effect of massage on the elderly in cold seasons
In the winter, the veins responsible for nutrition, in the elderly with arthritis, take less blood to the knee joints. In this way, the elderly may experience pain and inflammation in the knee area, and problems arise in their movement. You can use topical ointments for your elderly or massage these areas correctly. This way, the blood supply to these areas is done correctly, and their pain is relieved.
You should pay attention not to rub or massage the frostbitten areas. Also, do not heat these areas at once. The process of heating the frostbitten regions should be done gradually so that the blood flow in those areas is not disturbed and does not add to the joint pains of the elderly. Retirees with knee and common problems should wear warm clothes and knee pads in the cold seasons to avoid frostbite and pain.
Staying healthy in winter for the elderly and preventing falls
Seniors who live in icy and snowy climates are at risk of falling in winter. As they age, the feeling in their feet decreases, especially when they have diabetes, poor circulation, and arthritis. The loss of sensation can lead to poor balance and falls.
To reduce the risk of falls among seniors, help them eat a healthy diet and exercise, as these exercises can increase their strength and endurance. Also, ensure they have regular eye exams to ensure they don’t have vision problems. If possible, adopt care services from senior providers such as Cavendish Manor Retirement Residence. It can ensure that a Caregiver is always by his side or behind him and can be one of the best ways to prevent falls.