Senior Spring Wellness
As the snow thaws and the buds start sprouting, something in us also starts awakening too. There is a thirst for spring cleaning, a desire to get out here and get things done, and an embracing of sunshine and color. It also is a time when thoughts turn to wellness, with more chances to walk outside, eat fresh fruits and vegetables and enjoy the sunshine on our faces. As the calendar turns and spring arrives, it is a great time to focus on wellness for senior citizens. Look to spring as a time to start new habits, or ramp up on old ones that may have been buried during winter hibernation.
Here are some suggestions for spring wellness for senior citizens this year.
Go Outdoors
Even if you still need to bundle up in the cool spring air, get outside this season. Breathe in the fresh air. It will do wonders for your wellness, especially after being cooped up inside all winter. Listen for the sounds of nature, which can be calming and uplifting for the spirit. Hear the birds chirping as they start to reemerge. Look for signs of spring outside too. See if you can spot the crocus or daffodil buds peaking through.
Soak Up the Sun
While you’re upside, try to soak up some sun. As we age, often we lack Vitamin D. It is one of the things many seniors are deficient of. The sun will help give a little dose to seniors, as well as feel wonderful on your face, especially after a winter indoors. Vitamin D can help with mood, energy, strengthening bodes, insomnia and reducing the risk for diseases. However, soaking up the sun doesn’t mean being careless with sun exposure. Seniors still want to don a visor and some sunscreen, even if the sun doesn’t feel that strong.
Exercise
Going outside for walks for wellness is so much easier once the ice thaws and the snow melts. During the winter months, fears of falling on the wintery ground are high, especially for seniors. Once the ground is clear, head outside for some exercise. If some days still are too brisk, get your steps in inside, so you’re prepared for the days that it is nicer outdoors.
Walking into the only way to exercise this spring. Even the act of gardening provides exercise for seniors. Digging up the dead plants from last year can put your muscles to use, especially when the ground isn’t soft yet.
Eat the Spring Bounty
The warmer spring temperatures also bring with them fresh, new crops of fruits and vegetables. Seek out fresh foods of the season. Each season, there are various fruits and vegetables that just seem to taste better, because it is their prime time for ripeness.
According to the USDA, some of the produce that is best at this time of the year includes:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celery
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Lemons
- Lettuce
- Limes
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Peas
- Pineapples
- Strawberries
Find a local store that carries some of your favorites, and see what tastes the best. Make some new dishes with your favorite fresh produce. The Somerville Winter Farmers Market is open indoors until April, and is a great post for finding fresh foods. Starting in May, the Davis Square Farmers Market will open.
Visit the Doctor
The ultimate way to check on wellness for seniors this spring is to pay a visit to the doctor. Get your numbers - your cholesterol, your weight, your blood pressure - tested. Make sure they are within healthy ranges. If not, talk with your doctor about ways to improve them. If you are planning on starting a new exercise routine this spring, even if it is simply walking more, a visit to the doctor ahead of time to talk about your plans is a good idea for your health.
We Can Help
If you’re looking for help with your senior loved one this spring, or any season, our compassionate Right at Home caregivers can help. We offer services including companion care, personal care and specialty care services. For more than 19 years Right at Home has been serving the Boston and North community. We have compassionate, trustworthy employees ready to help care for your loved one in a variety of ways, from personal care to specialized care.
Right at Home can help you develop a customized care plan that is best for your senior loved one and your family. We offer a combination of personal care, companionship and homemaking, as well provide specialized care for your senior loved ones.
To find out more about our services and how they can help you, call us today at (617) 333-8967.