What Vitamins Seniors Should Consider Taking in Spring: A New York Health Guide
In this article we will look at what types of vitamins you should be taking now that it’s spring; and we’ll discuss how taking these vitamins may help you regain your energy and get back to being your best self.
It has been cold for months, and there have been less hours of daylight; and many people do less walking outside because of the cold weather. When the seasons start changing, many people feel fatigued or just plain weak.
We know at Angel Care Inc., located in Brooklyn, that proper nutrition along with preventative measures are very important in keeping older adults active, independent and comfortable at home. While it is always good to speak with a healthcare professional about taking vitamins, many healthcare professionals recommend focusing on certain vitamins during the spring season.
One of those vitamins is Vitamin D.
Most people in New York State, and other parts of the country that don’t receive enough sunlight during the winter months, suffer from a lack of Vitamin D. The main job of Vitamin D is to support bone health, and to help keep your muscles functioning properly. It also works to regulate your immune system — all things that are important to older adults.
If you don’t have enough Vitamin D, you may find yourself feeling tired and/or weaker than usual, and at a higher risk of falling. Once warmer temperatures arrive in the spring, most people will find themselves spending more time outside again. With a combination of safe amounts of sunlight and proper supplementation (as long as a doctor recommends it), you may be able to get your Vitamin D levels back to where they need to be to support your mobility and overall health.
Another important vitamin during the spring is Vitamin C.
Many older adults experience allergy symptoms during the spring due to pollen, and Vitamin C is a great supporter of your immune system, helping your body fight off environmental stressors.
Taking Vitamin C may help older adults:
- Support their immune systems
- Lessen the inflammation in their bodies
- Recover from seasonal illnesses quicker
Vitamin C is found naturally in fresh fruit and vegetables, and if you’re unable to get enough through your diet, a supplement may be recommended by a doctor based on your specific needs.
The third vitamin that is worth looking into is a Vitamin B complex.
If you spent a lot of time indoors during the winter, you may find yourself lacking in energy or experiencing fatigue. Vitamin B complex, made up of multiple B vitamins, is necessary for your body to turn the foods you eat into energy. It also supports your brain and nervous system.
Maintaining healthy B vitamin levels can help improve:
- Your daily energy levels
- Your mental clarity
- Your mood
- Your overall metabolic rate
All of these factors can be especially beneficial to older adults who tend to be more sedentary during the winter months, but want to return to their active routines once warmer temperatures arrive.
Finally, another important vitamin for older adults to focus on is Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your cells from damage while promoting healthy skin and circulation. Since older adults may experience changes in their skin due to dry air during the winter months, protecting their skin and maintaining its health can prevent discomfort and potential irritation or complications.
Stay with Angel Care Inc.
While vitamins can certainly provide valuable support to the body during the transition from winter to spring, they can only do so much. Healthy eating habits, staying hydrated, engaging in gentle exercise, and getting regular medical check-ups are equally important for your overall health and well-being. Prior to adding any supplements, families should first talk to their healthcare providers to ensure that they won’t interact negatively with their medications.
Additionally, caregivers can help their loved ones by establishing routines, providing them with nutritious meals, and checking in on their overall health during these transitional times.
Here at Angel Care Inc. in Brooklyn, our mission is to help our senior clients continue to live comfortably and independently in their own homes. Our trained caregivers offer support in a variety of ways including assisting with daily living tasks, preparing meals, reminding them of their medication, and simply being a companion to them. We strive to provide the highest quality of life possible for our senior clients and their families.
Whenever you need trusted support, comfort, and reliable care, the staff here at Angel Care is available to assist you and your family.
In Brooklyn, the arrival of spring brings new life to the area, warmer weather and longer days. Many seniors have spent the last few months inside, unable to get out due to the cold weather and therefore will greatly benefit from being able to get outside again. As we all know, there is no better feeling than spending time outside on a nice day; the fresh air, the sunshine, and the ability to walk slowly and gently are perfect for helping seniors who may have been cooped up inside for too long to start moving again. Not only will this type of activity benefit seniors physically, it will also benefit them emotionally. At Angel Care, Inc. HHA unit, we encourage seniors and their families to take part in the many activities available in Brooklyn that promote safe and healthy living and that will assist them in staying active and happy throughout the year. There are many great springtime activities in Brooklyn that are perfect for older adults that want to be active but also enjoy what the season has to offer. Late March and Early April Cherry Blossom Walks The first sign of spring in New York City is when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. They typically begin blooming in late March and continue into early April. Many people visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and other nearby parks in order to see the beautiful blooming flowers and peaceful landscape of the park. For many seniors, taking a leisurely stroll through one of the parks in Brooklyn during the blooming of the cherry blossoms is much more than just seeing something beautiful. It is also a form of low-impact exercise that can help to improve blood flow and keep joints flexible. Additionally, the peacefulness of nature can have a positive effect on the mind of a senior, helping to reduce stress and improve their mood. To ensure that seniors can view the cherry blossoms in a comfortable manner, many consider visiting the gardens or parks in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Outdoor Social Activities and Connections As Brooklyn neighborhoods come back to life in the spring with various types of outdoor social gatherings and activities, seniors are provided with the opportunity to spend time with family, friends, and caregivers outside. Being socially engaged is very important to the mental health of a senior. Some simple examples of ways that seniors can connect with others in the springtime include: Spending time with friends in local parks Sitting at an outdoor café or sitting area Taking part in a small community gathering Walking through the neighborhood to visit a park or garden space This type of socialization can help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation in a senior's life. Additionally, caregivers can also help to make sure that a senior's outings are safe and enjoyable. Low-Impact Exercise in the Great Outdoors Exercise does not have to be high-intensity to be beneficial. In fact, low-impact outdoor exercise is usually the safest and most beneficial option for seniors. Examples of low-impact outdoor activities that seniors can participate in during the spring include: Stretching in a park area Taking short daily walks around the neighborhood Performing chair exercises outdoors Practicing light yoga or deep breathing exercises near the Brooklyn Bridge Park These activities can help a senior build strength and flexibility, which may have decreased during the winter months, and increase their energy and sleep quality. Community Events for Seniors During the springtime, Brooklyn hosts many different seasonal marketplaces, wellness programs, and community events that bring its residents together. These events, such as farmers' markets, cultural celebrations, and senior-focused programs, give seniors the chance to engage in their community, enjoy the freshest seasonal produce and entertainment, and feel a sense of belonging. Engaging in community activities stimulates a senior's mind and fosters a sense of belonging, which are two of the main factors that contribute to a senior's emotional well-being. Ensuring a Senior’s Safe and Active Lifestyle This Spring While participating in outdoor activities offers many benefits, safety should always be a senior’s top concern. By wearing comfortable shoes, drinking plenty of water, taking regular rest breaks, and having someone accompany them, a senior can minimize the risk of experiencing fatigue or injury. At Angel Care, Inc. in Brooklyn, our goal is to enable seniors to live independently and confidently in their homes and communities. If your senior needs assistance with safely participating in outdoor activities, or simply needs a caregiver to join them on an outing, our experienced and compassionate staff are here to support you and your family. Whether it is providing assistance with a senior’s daily activities, or providing the comfort and security they need to feel safe, our caring team is here to help you and your loved ones whenever you need us.
In the Northeastern United States, particularly in New York, the warmer spring weather provides a welcome respite from cold winters. Additionally, this period is an ideal opportunity for seniors to enjoy warm weather and get out of doors. However, transitioning through seasons can have some unanticipated effects on the overall health of older adults. The various factors of seasonal transition (temperature fluctuations, increased humidity, rising pollen counts, etc.) can potentially lead to additional risks to health for older adults. As an organization that specializes in providing Home Health Aide services to seniors, Angel Care Inc. Home Health Aides assists seniors and families in understanding how transitional periods in seasons affect a senior's overall well-being and provides ideas and strategies to minimize potential risks associated with these transitional periods. Seasonal Fatigue For many seniors, there is a phenomenon referred to as seasonal fatigue that occurs at the beginning of spring. For extended periods of time, seniors may experience reduced sunlight and lessened physical activity resulting in the need for the body to readjust to the increased daylight hours and physical activities associated with the warmer weather. Common signs and symptoms of seasonal fatigue include: Fatigue or low energy Difficulty sleeping on a consistent basis Muscle weakness Decreased motivation to participate in activities. Seniors who are experiencing seasonal fatigue can recover gradually by engaging in daily activities, spending time outdoors, and consuming a balanced diet. Caregivers can assist seniors by promoting light routine activities such as short walks, stretches, or other forms of gentle exercise. Allergies in New York City The warmer weather in the spring months in New York City results in increased pollen from trees and flowers present in city parks and neighborhoods. Since older adults can be affected more severely than younger populations due to their weakened immune systems, it is essential for them to be aware of the risks posed by pollen in the air. Typical symptoms of allergic reactions may include sneezing, feeling tired or fatigued, congested nasal passages or sinuses, and irritation to the eyes and/or throat. Older adults can lessen the negative effects of allergy symptoms by: Tracking pollen counts on a daily basis Closing windows and doors when pollen counts are high Taking showers or changing clothing immediately after taking a walk outdoors Taking medication prescribed by a doctor to treat allergies Caregivers often monitor seniors' symptoms to ensure they are able to remain comfortable during allergy season. Dehydration Risk After Winter Months While many people tend to drink less water during the colder winter months, as the temperatures begin to rise in the spring, dehydration becomes a silent threat to seniors. Adequate hydration supports: Circulatory health and the functioning of the heart Increased energy levels Enhanced cognitive abilities Improved muscle strength and stability It is recommended that family members and caregivers promote regular drinking of water throughout each day regardless of whether seniors feel thirsty or not. Risk of Mobility-Related Injuries Rain and rapid temperature changes in the spring weather in New York result in wet and uneven surfaces which pose a significant risk of slipping and falling for seniors. One of the most prevalent concerns for older adults is their risk of injury resulting from a fall. Caregivers can assist seniors in avoiding injuries caused by slipping and falling by: Encouraging seniors to wear shoes with rubber soles designed to provide traction Assisting seniors in using handrails when climbing up or down stairs Providing sufficient time for seniors to walk slowly and safely in areas where there is standing water Ensuring all entryways into the home are free of clutter and water Caregivers can provide essential mobility-related support to seniors while they are on outings or appointments, especially on rainy days when surfaces are slippery. Maintaining Safety and Health This Spring There is no reason why the arrival of spring cannot be a time of renewal and joy for seniors. When seniors and their families understand how seasonal changes can negatively affect their bodies, they will be able to make small adjustments to their lives to maintain their comfort, independence, and self-assurance in both indoor and outdoor environments. Here at Angel Care Inc., located in Brooklyn, our purpose is to support seniors living independently in their own homes while still allowing them to continue participating in their local communities. Whether your loved one requires assistance with daily tasks, assistance with mobility, monitoring of their health, or simply companionship, our experienced caregivers will work closely with each individual to tailor their care to meet their specific needs. When you and your family require reliable support, trust, and quality home care for your loved ones, Angel Care is here to support you each step of the way.
