How to Help Seniors Stay Healthy During Flu Season

Flu season is upon us, and while it poses a risk for everyone, senior adults are especially vulnerable. As immunity naturally weakens, the flu can lead to severe complications in older individuals. Whether your loved ones are at home, in assisted living in Lakewood, enjoying the community of senior living in Lakewood, or are part of the compassionate environment of memory care in Lakewood, there are specific measures we can take to help protect them. 

Here's how you can help seniors stay healthy during the flu season.


  1. Vaccination: The flu vaccine is the first line of defense. Ensure that seniors get their annual flu shot, which is often tailored to combat the strains expected to be most prevalent that year.

  2. Good Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds can prevent the spread of many germs. In community environments, this practice can significantly deter the flu.

  3. Healthy Eating: Boosting the immune system through nutrition is vital. Encourage a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated and helps flush out toxins.

  4. Regular Exercise: Physical activity can boost the immune system. Even simple exercises like walking, gentle yoga, or tai chi can be beneficial. Many senior living communities offer group exercise sessions tailored to older adults.

  5. Limit Exposure: During peak flu season, limit visits to crowded places. If there's a known outbreak in the area, it might be wise to reschedule non-essential outings.

  6. Sanitize Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces, especially in shared spaces. This is a practice often upheld in environments like memory care in Lakewood to ensure the safety of residents.

  7. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of local health news. Knowing when and where outbreaks occur can help make informed decisions about outings and visits.

  8. Adequate Rest: A well-rested body can fend off infections better. Ensure seniors have a comfortable sleeping environment and get 7-9 hours of sleep.

  9. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help keep the mucous membranes moist, lowering the chances of infections.

  10. Educate Visitors: If you're visiting loved ones, especially in places like assisted living in Lakewood, ensure you're not feeling under the weather. Also, practicing good hygiene, like hand washing before and after visits, is essential.

  11. Know the Symptoms: Early detection can lead to prompt treatment. Be aware of flu symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.

  12. Stay Updated on Other Vaccinations: Apart from the flu shot, seniors should also be current on other vaccines like pneumonia and shingles, as recommended by their healthcare provider.


By being proactive and adopting these measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of flu in seniors. Staying vigilant, practicing good hygiene, and fostering a healthy lifestyle are crucial to ensuring our seniors enjoy a flu-free season, no matter where they reside.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Financial Scammers Often Target Seniors

Image
Older adults often fall prey to ruthless schemes that rob them of their money and identity. In 2021, over 92,000 victims over the age of 60 reported losses of $1.7 billion to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Complaint Center. The sad part is that it’s often a result of a senior’s trusting nature or feelings of isolation and loneliness; or in some cases, a senior may have cognitive issues that impair their judgement and decision-making skills.    Experts explain there are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to fraudulent schemes starting with the fact they tend to be very trusting.  Our elderly population was typically raised to be polite and agreeable to others, which in turn can make them more susceptible to fraud. Lonely seniors can easily be preyed upon as they are willing to stay on the phone and engage in conversation with a stranger.   The national council on Aging (NCOA) alerts the public to current scams targeting seniors so if you have a parent or other
Read more

Planning for The Future as a Senior

Image
Future planning is a very vital step to take as you age. This is especially true if you are about to retire, or are already retired. Once you are no longer bringing in a working income, you will have to rely on things like social security, savings, and the possibility of making money with a side hustle. However, planning for the future can feel overwhelming. So in this blog, we will be discussing some of the basics that you should have in place to protect your future as a senior living in Lakewood . Keep reading to learn more about what you should consider as you plan for your future. Where Do You Want to Live? Knowing where you want to spend your senior years is a very important part of future planning as a senior. You have to consider your lifestyle, and whether you are wanting to age in place, or possibly move to a smaller home, or an assisted/independent living community that caters to your needs. There are many different possibilities when it comes to senior living , so make sure
Read more

Enhancing Senior Lives Through Music and Arts

Image
Music and arts hold a transformative power for people of all ages, particularly for seniors. These creative outlets offer more than mere enjoyment; they provide mental stimulation, emotional expression, and a unique form of communication, especially beneficial in assisted living Lakewood, senior living Lakewood , and memory care Lakewood. Engaging in music and arts can significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors, offering various physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Music as a Gateway to Memory For seniors, especially those in memory care Lakewood, music can serve as a powerful tool in recalling past memories and experiences. Familiar tunes can trigger memories, promoting conversation and interaction. In assisted living Lakewood, music therapy sessions are designed to stimulate cognitive functions and foster a sense of community among residents, creating an environment where seniors feel connected and engaged. The Arts as a Means of Expression Art provides an invaluab
Read more