Cold Weather Tips To Stay Healthy Over Age 50

Cold weather tips to stay healthy over age 50

Most people feel cold during the winter season. One big concern with chilly weather is the health problems associated with it. Being old is a challenge by its own because older people tend to lose their body temperature faster than the younger. Over 50, the body detects weather changes like cold, slowly. Thus, it can become a dangerous issue before a senior know they are feeling cold.

Here are cold weather tips to ensure seniors remain healthy and fit;

1. Exposure to cold

Cold temperatures are a particular threat to vulnerable people, such as seniors and very young children. That is why maintaining heat is the most essential and urgent requirement for seniors.


The following precautionary steps should be effective to remain warm. While inside, take the right clothes: a few layers of thick clothes will be perfect, as well as woolen socks and gloves and neck scarves. Heat escapes from our bodies through our hands, feet, ears, neck, and head. So, seniors should never forget to cover these special parts of the body. Remember, however, too tight clothes can endanger the blood circulation. You need good circulation, especially during cold season.

2. Food

Just because seniors stay mostly indoors does not mean that they change diet to junk foods. Cold weather means that your body needs even more nutrients and vitamins to keep it in its best physical condition. Important are fruits and vegetables, especially colored foods (they contain necessary antioxidants), so make sure the elderly have the fridge stocked with products. Nuts (walnuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios) are great sources of protein. Also, cold tends to limit water intake. However, seniors should try to drink at least five glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.

3. Flu vaccination

Winter carries not only cold but also flu. Make sure you visit a doctor for inspection. Full health control, topped up with an influenza vaccine, can provide a significant level of protection, especially for the elderly to remain healthy. There are also other vaccines against pneumonia - ask your doctor whether it is right for a senior.

4. Winter appliance

Winter cold harms everyone's health and is much dangerous for the aged. If your heater does not function for a few days, there can be a great negative impact on seniors’ health. To avoid that, check all your appliances on time before cold starts attacking with full force. Consider having other small heaters as a backup in case of the breakdown of the main heating system.

5. Medical alert system

Extreme temperatures mean that more accidents can happen in your home, and many emergencies, such as inefficient heating systems or electricity, can happen, requiring an older person to get quick help. The medical alert system has a basic unit and a button worn around the wrist or neck and can provide an opportunity for the elderly to immediately contact the emergency services, family members or specialists for home repair. An older person only needs to press the button they are wearing, and the button communicates with the base by contacting a team of rescuers who can connect a senior with someone who can help them.

Conclusion

Putting the above health tips into consideration for safety and comfort, cold days can be an enjoyable season for people over 50.

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