Winter is another critical period when families need to pay special attention to the health care of the elderly, especially in Thailand where weather conditions change significantly. In Thailand, the weather typically transitions from hot during the day to cooler temperatures in the evening during the winter season. This rapid change, particularly in provinces with unpredictable weather patterns, can significantly impact the elderly, whose bodies are more vulnerable to sudden changes and extremes. They may struggle to adapt, leading to illnesses, fever, or exacerbation of existing health conditions. Therefore, during the winter months, families must be extra vigilant and attentive to the healthcare needs of the elderly.
3 health problems for the elderly in winter:
- Respiratory system-related diseases, such as various types of flu. While the flu might not have a significant impact on younger individuals, it can lead to complications for the elderly, potentially exacerbating other underlying health conditions. The flu can also cause severe illness in the elderly.
- Joint pain-related conditions, especially for the elderly with chronic joint issues. Cold weather can exacerbate symptoms of inflammatory joint diseases, leading to more severe inflammation.
- Conditions related to abnormal body temperature regulation. This is particularly concerning for elderly individuals living in remote rural areas with severe cold weather. Reduced sensitivity to cold temperatures on the skin’s surface can impair the nervous system’s ability to regulate blood vessels in the skin to prevent heat loss from the body. This can lead to various adverse effects on the body’s regulatory mechanisms.
Guidelines for winter health care:
- Maintain a balanced diet by focusing on consuming foods from all five food groups. Drink plenty of water to meet the body’s hydration needs or consider warming the body by drinking warm beverages.
- Engage in regular exercise to help muscles exert and generate warmth, thereby raising body temperature.
- Always keep the body warm, such as wearing hats and long-sleeved shirts, to ensure maximum warmth.
- Avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting flu symptoms during the winter months. If the body’s immune system is weakened, it may be more susceptible to catching the flu.
- Reduce alcohol consumption and avoid smoking during the winter season.
3 Immune Boosting Supplements for Elderly
PARADIGM A-Z Multivitamin: A comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement containing 22 types of vitamins and minerals, with 60 tablets per bottle. Imported from Germany, easy to swallow, and composed of essential vitamins and minerals needed daily.
PARADIGM Bonnex: A calcium citrate, vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc supplement with 60 tablets per bottle. Absorbs efficiently and is superior to most calcium supplements on the market, which are often in the form of calcium carbonate. Additionally, calcium citrate is safer as it reduces the risk of developing kidney stones, which may occur in individuals regularly consuming calcium carbonate.
PARADIGM Aminostar: A protein supplement from yellow peas and lecithin, with 30 capsules per bottle. Nourishes growth and muscle building, enhances the immune system, repairs weakened muscles in the elderly, reduces protein loss from muscles in individuals fasting to lose weight, and helps the body function normally.
Reference:
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