This Holiday Season—Top Tips to Help Seniors Stay Healthy

The month of November marks the start of the holiday season, and while this time of year undoubtedly brings an abundance of joy, happiness, and fun surrounded by loved ones—naturally, it can also bring with it a bit of stress, chaos and disruptions to routine schedules. At Heather Glen Senior Living, we know how important it is for seniors to feel their absolute best this time of year so they can enjoy spending time with loved ones to the fullest extent. Read on to find our top tips to help seniors stay happy and healthy this holiday season.

Find a balance

For seniors to stay healthy, they need a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet—and we all know how challenging it can be to maintain a healthy diet with tasty treats and temptations filling the air throughout the next couple of months. There’s nothing wrong with indulging in delicious Thanksgiving dishes and Christmas sweets throughout the holiday season—but it’s important to find a balance. To ensure that your senior loved one is getting all their necessary nutrients in, try to make sure they’re getting an efficient amount of protein, vegetables, grains and fruits in relation to the amount of added sugars, sodium and saturated fats they may consume over the next couple of months. As long as they’re receiving a balanced, nutritious diet—let the holiday snacking begin. 

Stay extra hydrated

With the stress that comes with the holiday season, it can be easy for seniors to forget about their daily essentials—even drinking water. Senior citizens need to drink plenty of fluids, as they’re more prone to dehydration due to a diminished sense of thirst. Not drinking enough water could cause a plethora of health problems and discomfort, and even hospitalization. Keep alcohol consumption at a minimum and choose foods with a higher water content to make it easier to stay hydrated—and have water easily accessible at home and keep bottled water in a purse or bag when running errands. 

Maintain exercise

According to the CDC, adults 65 and up need at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise in order to stay in the best health—even throughout the holiday season. In many parts of the country—especially here in the Allentown, PA area—the holidays are synonymous with cold weather and snow, and it can be hard for seniors to maintain exercise due to a lack of motivation, or lack of resources if they don’t have access to an indoor walking/exercise space. To stick to an exercise schedule, bundle up and invite your loved ones for a walk around the block if the temperatures aren’t too cold and sidewalks are dry. If it’s snowing or icy outside, make use of an indoor exercise space if you have access to one, or walk a few laps around your home to get your legs moving and body energized.

Catch up on rest

For many seniors, the holidays are a time to travel to visit family and friends—whether it’s a short distance by car, or long distance by plane or train. Even if they don’t travel far, the winter months and colder weather naturally cause seniors to feel more tired and drained, so it’s important to get enough rest and relaxation during this time. Seniors should try going to bed an hour or two earlier if they’re feeling sleep-deprived, especially if they have days planned with family full of shopping, cooking or visiting. And, if a nap feels needed during busy days with family and friends—don’t hesitate to take time to relax and lay down. 

Stay involved this holiday season

At Heather Glen Senior Living, there’s nothing we care about more than the comfort, care, happiness and overall quality of life for our residents and their loved ones. The holidays are such a valuable time for seniors, and it’s important that they feel extra loved, appreciated and cared for this time of year. Whether your loved one lives in a care community like Heather Glen, or a home of their own—there’s no doubt that they’ll appreciate spending time and making memories with the people they love most this holiday season. 

With our incredible team of professionals and a strong commitment to quality care, you can rest assured that when you choose Heather Glen Senior Living, your loved ones will always receive the best care available—during the holiday season and beyond. To learn more about our top-rated personal care and memory care communities, give us a call at (610) 841-4478 or fill out our online form today—and Happy Holidays!