4 Tips For Seniors
to Stay Healthy and Active This Spring

Many people, especially seniors, tend to slow down and stay indoors more during the winter, so when spring finally makes its appearance, it may be difficult to get out of some of those winter habits. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and start a more active lifestyle. Although the key to maintaining good health is to stay active all year round, the cold, snow and ice can make it difficult for the elderly to get out. Getting your body used to a more active lifestyle takes a little preparation, but the following tips will help seniors get active and stay healthy this spring.

1. Keep Active
As people age, it is essential that they stay active mentally, physically and socially. It is important to stay active and fit by doing something you enjoy. Finding a hobby or revisiting activities that you once enjoyed will help to maintain your strength, flexibility and balance as well as promote good cardiovascular health. If you have been huddled indoors all winter, now is the time to get out and take advantage of the warm weather. Physical activities will help you maintain a healthy weight, make sleeping easier, control illnesses and reduce stress.

2. Eat Healthy
Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things seniors can do have a healthy, active spring. Winter often makes it difficult to eat the fresh fruits and vegetables that your body craves, but now that spring has finally arrived, it’s time to change your eating habits. The combination of physical activity and eating a nutritious diet can help prevent or reduce the risk of a wide range of illnesses, such as high blood pressure and heart disease as well as reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

3. Preventative Care
This is the perfect time of the year to schedule all of your routine checkups, including dental, vision and hearing as well as preventative screenings, such as mammograms and prostate cancer screenings. Schedule an appointment with your physician to ensure you are up-to-date on vaccinations, especially pneumonia and flu, which is potential risk all year round. Your physician can also provide you with recommendations for exercise and diet.

4. Spring Cleaning
Yes, spring cleaning is a great way to ensure you stay healthy and fit this spring. Enlist the help of family, friends or your home health care aide to help you remove items that may be a fall risk, such as throw rugs or loose carpeting. Spring cleaning is also the perfect time to clean out the refrigerator and pantry, toss all expired foods and restock with fresh, healthy foods. Don’t forget the medicine cabinet when spring cleaning; go through all medications to get rid of medicines you no longer take and those that are expired. Opening the windows and letting the fresh spring air circulate through your home will not only help your home smell fresh, but it will help to relieve stress.

Other Tips for Staying Healthy and Active
Getting outdoors as often as possible is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy this spring; it’s a great way to get some exercise as well as a healthy dose of vitamin D. Keep in mind, that as people age, their skin becomes thinner, drier and less elastic, so when you venture outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, even on cloudy days and wear a hat to protect your face and skin while working in the garden or taking a walk.

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