Are Hot or Cold Showers Best for Seniors?


Practicing proper hygiene as an elderly person is a huge key to helping maintain your overall health. However, even if you have all the perfect products that meet your individual needs already, it may be a bit of a conundrum to choose between a hot or cold shower. Both can have great benefits; so if you are a senior living in Lakewood, keep reading to learn more about whether a hot or cold shower could be right for you.

Cold Shower Benefits

Cold (but not too cold) water, while it can be harmful in certain situations, can actually provide a lot of benefits in a safe and controlled environment. Some of these benefits can include:
  • Increased blood flow/improved circulation after turning off the cold water. This is because of the body’s natural reaction to cold. When you start a cold shower, more of your blood rushes to your inner organs to protect them from potential damage/shut down from becoming too cold. However, in order to warm up again and regulate your temperature, your body will start to circulate blood more efficiently to your extremities and skin.
  • Reduced symptoms of brain fog, depression, etc. Cold showers, or even splashing cold water on your face, neck, and chest causes hundreds of neurons to fire at once. This can result in a sort of mental “refresh” that can help you escape symptoms that could be getting you down.

Always keep in mind that cold water can also be very shocking to the system, so try it out in a seated position first, and make sure there is someone available to help you if needed.

Hot Shower Benefits

Hot (but not too hot) water is also something that is important to be mindful about. As much as warm water can be good for your health; water that is too hot can burn and/or scald your skin. However, showering in hot water that is the right temperature, and in a safe/controlled environment can have many benefits, including:
  • Reduced inflammation. Taking a warmer shower is a great way to reduce inflammation—and therefore, a lot of the pain that it causes. This is because of the effects of warm water on the body to loosen tightened blood vessels and muscles.
  • Improved control over blood sugar regulation. At Loughborough University, it was found that soaking in warm water for one hour better managed blood sugar spikes after eating when compared to exercise.
Our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Lakewood has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Applewood provides outstanding assisted living and memory care in Lakewood.

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