Five Health Tips for Seniors This Spring

As we get older, our health becomes more of a primary focus—be it taking care of ourselves at home, being proactive in making healthy choices, or selecting healthcare coverage that meets our needs. Fortunately, the warmer weather, longer days, and opportunities to get outside more make it easier to stay healthy and active in the springtime. Whether you’re going for a neighborhood stroll or enjoying seasonal foods, there are plenty of ways to prioritize your health this season. In this article, we’ll list ideas for how to be proactive in leading a healthy lifestyle to help you maintain your well-being and independence at home. 

1. Spend Time Outdoors

While programs like SilverSneakers or group activity classes can encourage you to stay active during the winter months, spring brings on more daylight and warmer weather, making it easier to get outside while staying safe. Here’s a look at some of the perks of this time of year and how springtime makes it easier to spend time outdoors:

• Easier Walking Conditions: Snow and ice melt as the temperatures rise, making it safer to take walks or get around town on your own. This means you won’t have to worry about slick sidewalks or large snow piles getting in your way when you want to get some movement and fresh air.

• Opportunities to Get Vitamin D: Spending time outdoors in the sun gives you the chance to soak up vitamin D organically, which can also boost your mood, have a positive impact on your mental health, and improve cognition. With longer days, you have more opportunities to spend time outside in the spring.

• Option to Start New Hobbies and Activities: As spring emerges, you have the opportunity to begin new outdoor activities, including starting a garden, enjoying your morning coffee on your patio or deck, and visiting your local farmers market. 

When you’re getting ready to enjoy some time outside, make sure to plan for the weather. You’ll want to apply SPF (even on cloudy days), bring a jacket for cooler temperatures or blustery conditions, and wear appropriate walking shoes if you plan to go on a stroll.

2. Enjoy Seasonal Foods

Not only does eating seasonal foods give you the excuse to visit your local farmers market or grocery store, but there are also many benefits of incorporating seasonal ingredients into your diet. Seasonally fresh produce is picked when it is fully developed at the peak of the season. With optimal growing conditions and more sun exposure come higher levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, folate, and beta-carotene, which can help reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. 

Adding natural antioxidants to your diet has a variety of benefits, including: 

• Preventing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of permanent vision loss in older adults. Antioxidants from in-season meals could potentially lower your chances of developing the disease. Antioxidants are also said to slow the progression of cataracts, which can help older adults maintain their vision for longer.

• Potentially Reducing Oxidative Stress: Antioxidants can also help reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and even memory loss. Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory properties of antioxidants can help remove oxidative stress from the body and protect it against these health conditions.

Many springtime foods are also a great source of vitamin C, which can lead to improvement in bone density, limited macular degeneration, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Manage Seasonal Allergies

While spring brings many opportunities to get outside, it can be a challenging time of year if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergies can develop as we age, so you’ll want to look out for common symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy and watery eyes. Here are some ideas to help keep your seasonal allergies at bay this spring:

• Keep an Eye on Pollen Levels: Pay close attention to pollen count, and be sure to keep your doors and windows closed when pollen levels are high. You can often find pollen counts for your area via your local news or apps you download to your phone, or bookmark a website like PollenTracker.com to learn more about levels in your area. If possible, keep outdoor activities to a minimum on those days and try to get movement and activity indoors.

• Keep Your Eyes Protected: If you have seasonal allergies, you’ll want to wear sunglasses when you’re outside to help avoid eye irritation.

• Stay Prepared: Get ahead of seasonal allergies by talking to your doctor about the best over-the-counter medications for you. Be sure to consult with your doctor before choosing an over-the-counter medicine, as antihistamines may interact with other prescriptions you may be taking. 

4. Stay Hydrated

When you start spending more time outside and moving your body, it’s important to stay hydrated. As we age, we’re more prone to dehydration, which can be extremely dangerous for older adults. Reduce your risk of dehydration by:

• Make sure to have water easily and readily available.

• Setting a timer or reminder to drink some water as you build the habit.

• Be sure to drink more water if you’re participating in a physical activity or moving around more.

• Make your water fun by adding fresh fruit and flavor. Eat water-rich food such as cucumber, tomatoes, and watermelon.

5. Reschedule Missed Appointments

If you canceled medical check-ups or routine appointments because of harsh winter weather, spring is the perfect time to reschedule. Make sure to look back at your calendar and reschedule any necessary appointments with doctors or specialists. Regular check-ups help providers catch chronic diseases early and can help reduce factors for disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Visiting the doctor regularly can also provide you with peace of mind and improve your overall well-being.

Let SelectQuote Help You Stay Healthy This Spring

Spring is the perfect time to focus on improving your physical health while taking advantage of nature and the warmer weather. As you’re considering your overall health as a Medicare beneficiary and how best to stay healthy and independent at home, there are a variety of opportunities to move your body and improve your overall well-being this spring.