Many of us love summer and autumn. These days tend to be warmer than winter and spring. A transition from summer to spring, even with the latter’s budding greenery, can have an impact on a lot of things, seniors’ health included. Speaking of which, here is how weather changes in Phoenixville, PA impact this aspect of living for older adults.
It Can Worsen Some Health Problems
The sudden change from mild to freezing temperatures can be problematic for older adults. This can worsen arthritis, which in turn, may increase their injury rate, whether from tripping or falling. At the worst, this can also lead to serious conditions like pneumonia, and heart attack. Flu will also be common during this time.
It Is a Time When the Weather Gets into their Bones
Some people claim that they feel a change in their bones when the weather shifts from warm to cold, and there is a basis for that claim. This is due to what is called barometric pressure. This drops even before the colder season sets in. The lower the pressure the greater the tendency for tissues to expand. This is why older adults feel more pressure on their joints, causing them to feel sore all of a sudden.
Dealing with these Occurrences
With these impacts of weather changes on seniors’ health, it is best to know how to deal with them. Here are some of the recommended tips in order to lessen the negative impact of the sudden shift in temperature
- Keep their homes warm. It is important to see to it that their homes are heated during the spring and winter season. That will help them avoid too much exposure to the cold season and prevent the above-mentioned health consequences to happen.
- Take medication. Older adults must be given arthritis medication in anticipation of the sudden change in weather. That will help them alleviate whatever pain they may feel should the shift in weather get into their bones. Take necessary precaution when letting older family members take these medications, though.
- It is part of senior living programs to assure the health and wellbeing of residents. During this crucial time, exercising is important. Aside from tools, technologies, and other things you can use to keep the home warm, you can also advise residents to perform physical activities. Make sure they are personalized according to their needs.
- Eating a well-balanced diet. Flu, arthritis, and other health conditions may happen because of lack of nutrients that the body needs. Sometimes, it depends upon the food you serve for people in your senior living community. It is important to keep residents hydrated too so that they can use these to battle whatever they are feeling. These are good ways to boost the immune system, so that the body will be more than prepared to combat all these situations.
Weather changes in older adults is common, and can impact their health whether they are in Phoenixville, or anywhere else in the country. Following the tips mentioned herein will be great in dealing with these health challenges during this time.