Monsoon season is here and it’s time to take extra care as this season comes with a lot of infectious diseases. Senior citizens are more likely to get infected in monsoon season as the humidity level is high and can quickly give rise to infections and fear of germ infections in elder persons. The most common infectious monsoon diseases are dry cough, cold, flu, respiratory disorders, viral infections, conjunctivitis, digestive problems, ulcers, joint pains, and fatigue.
So here are some advice for elderly citizens on how to care for themselves during the rainy season.
1. Drink Warm Water
The monsoon season can bring forth diseases like cholera, gastroenteritis, or other waterborne illnesses since water becomes readily polluted at this time. Senior adults need warm water for bathing and drinking, as well as filtered water for cooling rituals, to prevent frequent monsoon infections. During this monsoon, you must adhere to proper food handling procedures.
2. Improve Immunity
Waterborne and airborne illnesses, such as the flu, viral fevers, and infectious disorders, are more prevalent during the rainy season. Older people should eat healthily to strengthen their immune systems since they have immunosuppressive systems. A preferable source of these would be dried fruits high in protein. A handful of almonds, cashews, and other nuts should be added each day. In contrast, if they are experiencing any health problems, it is wise to test for nut allergies.
3. Be Ready With Your Rain Gear
Senior citizens must keep their raincoats, and umbrellas out of their cupboards in an easy-to-access place. Elder people could need to leave for urgent medical needs, financial work, or shopping. In this situation, it is wise to make sure the raincoat and umbrella are in good shape. In addition, older people must make sure they have water-soaking doormats near every entry and exit to prevent damp flooring and potential sliding injuries. When there is a power outage, it is important to have candles and emergency lighting on hand.
4. Avoid Wading Across Muddy Water
Seniors should always wear non-slippery shoes and avoid walking over muddy puddles, which can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause fungal infections. In moist environments, such as those found in wet shoes and socks, fungi and bacteria are more likely to survive. It is advised to change shoes as soon as possible if the feet get wet and to keep the wet shoes for drying after disinfecting them.
5. Maintain Cleanliness
In the rainy season, it is crucial to keep yourself and your surroundings clean. In tanks of water or plant pots, microorganisms can persist. The elderly should maintain their surroundings dry and tidy before the start of the rainy season. They need to take a warm shower after being outside in the rain to avoid becoming sick. As much as possible, diabetics should avoid being barefoot and instead wear shoes and socks to preserve their feet.
6. Avoid Congested Area
Seniors are more likely to be in the high-risk category for contracting infectious disorders such as ear infections, coronavirus common colds, and eye infections. As a result, older people must stay away from busy areas like shopping malls and choose online and contactless delivery.
7. Use Insect and Mosquito Repellents
Airborne illnesses like malaria and dengue are brought on by the monsoon. Bugs, cockroaches, and other pests that might spread illness are more common in stagnant water, which also encourages mosquito reproduction. Seniors must use mosquito nets, repellents, and coils, and maintain a dry and clean environment in order to prevent these deadly monsoon infections.
8. Relax and Meditate
The practice of meditation, exercise, and walking should not be neglected by seniors. They can undertake yoga and meditation for at least 30 minutes every day if exercising outside is impossible due to the weather. The additional moisture and potentially harmful germs are expelled through perspiration while exercising, which also aids in metabolism and stress reduction.
9. Smaller Intake of Meals
Humidity is high during the rainy season, and it takes time for the body to digest food. Thus, it is advisable to have smaller and more frequent meals instead of the larger ones. Senior citizens’ digestive system is vulnerable during the monsoon season, so it is good to stick to smaller light less spicy meals that can be digested easily.
10. Add Spices and Herbs to Your Meals
To increase immunity levels, senior adults may choose to supplement their diets with herbs and spices. Garlic, turmeric, holy basil, cinnamon, ginger, and other anti-inflammatory substances, which also include important minerals and antioxidants, are very beneficial for general health and wellness.
So here are some very important yet essential precautions for the elders to prevent themselves from monsoon diseases.
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