Keeping the senior in your life healthy and active is essential no matter what time of year it is, but it can be a bit more challenging during the colder months of the year. So, as the summer turns to fall, it’s an excellent time to enjoy the good weather while it lasts and helps your family member or friend get in some physical activity according to their health abilities. It’s also essential to help them stay healthy overall and avoid illness.
To help your loved ones stay healthy during autumn, the Visiting Angels home care team has put together these five tips.
#1: Take Them Out for Some Fall Fun
To promote physical activity, there are many great ideas to try during autumn. A few that can be adjusted to fit the physical abilities of your loved one include:
- Going for a walk around a park or a paved wilderness trail
- Hosting a family football game
- Putting on an outdoor dance party
#2: Have Them Get Their Flu Shot
It’s imperative for the elderly to keep themselves from getting sick during the flu season, so we encourage all seniors to get the flu vaccine and any COVID vaccines or boosters they might need. Because seniors are in a higher risk category, keeping them protected is vital.
#3: Encourage Healthy Eating
While fall might be a time for heartier meals, it’s possible to eat healthy while still enjoying the foods of the season. You can make family recipes together that use a lot of fresh produce, like squash, pumpkin, leafy greens, and apples. Also, encourage your loved one to drink enough water.
#4: Help Them Get Enough Rest
Getting enough sleep is vital for people of all ages, but people who are older or who have chronic conditions may need extra rest. You want to ensure they stay physically active, but you don’t want to push things too far. Keep this in mind when you’re doing any extra activities that could be wearing them out.
#5: Make Time for Social Fun
Everyone needs to have a social life to feel fulfilled. If you can find new ways to help your senior loved ones meet others, this is ideal. Social activities will be even more critical as winter draws close, and it’s easy to feel cooped up.
Assistance from Senior Care Professionals
If you’re looking for more ideas to help your loved one stay healthy, active, and happy during the fall and throughout the ear, reach out to Visiting Angels. We offer compassionate home care services to help you and your loved one. Call today to learn more.