The holidays are coming and although it is a joyful time it can also bring challenges. Senior wellness is especially important as the holidays approach because it coincides with the cold and flu season. It is wonderful to be invited to special events and have busier schedules, but it’s important to stay healthy and that includes these six senior wellness tips.
Senior Wellness Tips for the Thanksgiving and Holiday Season
1. Keep moving
Be sure you don’t forget your regular exercise regimen and try to take a walk every day to help maintain your fitness. This also might be a good time to focus on balance and incorporate some new fitness opportunities, such as chair yoga or even online dancing. Also, staying active improves your mood, helps reduce the risk of dementia, improves mobility, fights off chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, and is a great way to let go of some of the stresses that can come during the holidays.
2. Remember to drink water
Senior wellness tips always include hydration, and the holidays are no exception. In fact, it’s more important than ever to pass on a sugary drink or an extra glass of wine and drink water instead. Studies show that older adults feel less thirsty, and as a result, often fall prey to dehydration. Drinking water is important: it can help regulate your body temperature, aid in digestion, improve concentration, decrease joint pain, and more.
3. Make healthy plates
So many temptations can come your way during the holidays, making seasonal wellness a challenge for many. Watch out for overeating and indulging to excess. It can be as simple as not standing too close to that buffet table. Eating wisely is always high on a list of holiday health tips.
4. Say no when you need to
There’s lots to do during the holidays, and it’s easy to get caught up in too much, which can wear you down and leave you especially vulnerable during the cold and flu season. So, take it easy. Decide which events or gatherings mean the most to you and consider saying no to others. Everyone has a different level of stamina, and there’s no need to extend yourself too far. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, just politely pass on a holiday event and then give yourself a rest. Senior wellness tips and holiday health tips always include time for rest and recuperation.
5. Be sure to get enough sleep
It can be hard to maintain seasonal wellness when it feels like you’re always on the go during the holidays. Shopping, catching up with friends, attending a grandchild’s play, family dinners, reunions—after a while, it can feel like an endurance contest. That’s why maintaining a healthy sleep routine is so important. Getting seven to nine hours of sleep at night can help prevent chronic disease, strengthen the immune system, control emotions, and improve everyday quality of life. If you can, be sure to have some “downtime” after a family holiday event. Avoid caffeine and sugary desserts close to bedtime. Wind down with soft music or a soothing bath routine. And for optimal seasonal wellness, make sure tomorrow is a little less hectic!
6. Wash your hands
Cold and flu season is unfortunately when many seniors find themselves sneezing and coughing. Remember to frequently wash your hands. Make it a habit during the day and remember to do so before eating anything. Carry some hand sanitizer with you if you are attending an event or dining away from your home.
