{"id":5353,"date":"2020-10-29T15:08:22","date_gmt":"2020-10-29T19:08:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/?p=5353"},"modified":"2022-12-24T09:18:46","modified_gmt":"2022-12-24T14:18:46","slug":"how-seniors-can-stay-physically-and-mentally-healthy-while-covid-19-has-them-stuck-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/articles\/how-seniors-can-stay-physically-and-mentally-healthy-while-covid-19-has-them-stuck-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"How Seniors Can Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy While COVID-19 Has Them Stuck at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_5356\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5356\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5356\" src=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice-3-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice-3-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice-3.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5356\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Staying safe at home during the pandemic means paying extra attention to your physical and mental health.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since the coronavirus pandemic reached American shores in early 2020, daily life has changed for everyone. However, older adults and other vulnerable populations have been acutely impacted, leaving most of them to decrease social circles and opt for staying home more often in order to stay safe. Because older adults often have complex underlying medical conditions, they are at an increased risk to develop dangerous complications from COVID-19, leaving most older adults to adapt to more time spent at home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While staying at home and avoiding crowded gatherings is the recommendation for seniors to stay safe, there are consequences of becoming isolated at home as well. Fortunately, older adults can stay physically and mentally healthy during the pandemic by adapting and adjusting some habits at home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Nutrition<\/b><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5355\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5355\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5355\" src=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice.jpg 999w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5355\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Add immune-boosting ingredients to your favorite recipe to keep your body as healthy as possible.<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve all heard the saying \u201cyou are what you eat\u201d, meaning eating healthy can help you stay healthy. Seniors who are spending more and more time at home during the pandemic can focus on nutrition, which can lead to increased energy, a boosted immune system, and help them to prevent adding extra pounds during this somewhat sedentary time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few tips for seniors who are looking to enhance their nutrition during the pandemic:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t worry about decreasing a recipe to serve only one. Go ahead and make a large batch and freeze the leftovers in single portions to pull out when you need a healthy lunch.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporate immune-boosting foods like bone broth, spinach, garlic, and citrus fruits into your diet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use meal delivery services like Meals on Wheels or sign up for grocery delivery with your local store<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drink plenty of water to avoid any issues that come with dehydration, such as urinary tract infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skip extra cups of coffee or alcoholic beverages<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Walking<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting out of the house doesn\u2019t have to be risky behavior. Taking a stroll around your favorite park or in your neighborhood is an excellent way to get fresh air and bust any cabin fever safely. When you are out walking, follow these best practices:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear a mask when you cannot observe safe social distancing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid crowded areas or peak times when possible<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure your tennis shoes are sturdy and have good traction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/articles\/apple-watch-fall-detection\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AppleWatch<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or other step tracker to keep yourself motivated each walk<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the weather isn\u2019t great, you can still meet your fitness goals by walking around your home. Just be sure you wear sturdy shoes and your pathways are clear of clutter.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>More Fitness Options<\/b><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_5354\" style=\"width: 210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5354\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5354\" src=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice-2-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/medical-alert-advice-2.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5354\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A quick stroll outdoors in areas that aren&#8217;t crowded is a safe way to get fresh air and exercise<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking doesn\u2019t have to be your only safe physical activity during the pandemic. In fact, you can get moving safely in a variety of ways indoors and outside. Just remember to speak with your physician before beginning any fitness routine,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few options that can inspire you to get your body moving:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoga or tai chi: Try <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-Ts01MC2mIo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chair yoga via YouTube<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or invest in a tai chi DVD<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.silversneakers.com\/learn\/ondemand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Silver Sneakers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has a full online library of senior-friendly workouts: You might even be able to get a subscription with Medicare<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Find chair exercises you can do from a sturdy chair in your home: Try <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCC4TRhL4BiA7--jpxVVXcpQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this YouTube library<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Movement doesn\u2019t have to be structured to be beneficial: Walk a few laps around your home each time you get up, dance to your favorite tunes, or garden in your backyard<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Creative Arts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now is the perfect time to brush up on a favorite hobby or pick up a new one. Getting creative can be an excellent outlet for your extra time at home and can decrease feelings of depression, anxiety, or stress. Don\u2019t worry, you don\u2019t need to be an accomplished artist or spend a lot of money on supplies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few activities and hobbies that you might want to try while you are at home:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start a gratitude journal, listing five things you are thankful for every day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Write short stories or jot down your favorite memories<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try crocheting, cross-stitch, or knitting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paint kindness rocks to put out during your next walk around the neighborhood<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact your local art studio to see if they have any projects-to-go that include instructions and supplies for a designated project<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Write letters to friends and family<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use stamps and other accessories to make homemade cards<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start your own blog\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take photos and try your hand at nature photography<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try directed drawing courses online<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Stress and Sleep<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how healthy you feel, the stress of the pandemic can quickly turn into depression or anxiety. You may even notice that you are having trouble falling and staying asleep, or that you are sleeping too much as a way to cope with your stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few tips for beating the stress and making the most of your sleep routine:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use an app like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.headspace.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headspace<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to start a daily meditation habit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try a consistent morning or evening routine that includes a lit candle, time for silent reflection, and a bit of gratitude<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Turn off the news and observe nature instead<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set a timer on your social media usage if you find yourself mindlessly scrolling throughout the day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diffuse calming scents throughout your home, such as lavender or chamomile<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop drinking caffeine after 12 pm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make an appointment for a virtual meeting with your counselor or mental health professional<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call your friends and family daily to talk about life and your frustrations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Update your physician about any sleep disruptions or issues sooner rather than later<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use calming music as the backdrop to your afternoon or evening activities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Cleaning and Safety Best Practices<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part of staying physically healthy while at home includes following best practices for infection control, including cleaning and disinfecting. You can minimize your risk by following these recommendations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash your hands frequently, including before\/after preparing food, before leaving the home and after returning, after using the restroom, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash your hands using soap and water when possible. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, which is roughly the same amount of time as singing the Happy Birthday song twice through<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use hand sanitizer when you don\u2019t have access to soap and water. Be sure the alcohol content is at least 60%<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wear a mask when you cannot socially distance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wipe down frequently touched surfaces with diluted bleach solutions throughout the day, especially if you have had visitors\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean frequently touched surfaces include light switches, TV remotes, cell phones, countertops, kitchen cabinet handles, and doorknobs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Safety Tips for Seniors<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults who are at home more often due to the COVID-19 pandemic are at an increased risk for isolation, falls, and other health complications. Many seniors who are accustomed to having extra support from in-home caregivers or family members may now be facing daily or weekly tasks alone, which can lead to serious safety concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have an aging loved one at home who is alone more than usual due to the coronavirus pandemic, here are a few considerations to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Update all emergency information in the senior\u2019s home and in their medical files so there is no delay in a crisis situation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Update emergency information in your loved one\u2019s cell phone<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure your loved one keeps up with medication management safety by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/articles\/hero-uses-technology-to-make-medication-management-easier\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">choosing to invest in a system<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that includes a notification to caregivers when a dose is missed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Invest in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/fall-detection\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medical alert systems with fall detection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that will give your loved one direct contact with trained providers if they fall or have any other emergency at home. Look for pendants or other wearable technology that offers fall detection, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/reviews\/medical-guardian-review\/\">Medical Guardian fall detection,<\/a>\u00a0or invest in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/articles\/cherry-home-makes-fall-monitoring-discreet-and-effective\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">smart technology for the home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that can offer emergency and fall detection services.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>More Resources and Links<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter how you choose to stay physically and mentally active during the pandemic, you might find that you need some extra inspiration. Here are a few links that can point you in a healthy direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exerciseismedicine.org\/assets\/page_documents\/EIM_Rx%20for%20Health_%20Staying%20Active%20During%20Coronavirus%20Pandemic.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this handout<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> about staying active during the pandemic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acsm.org\/all-blog-posts\/certification-blog\/acsm-certified-blog\/2018\/09\/20\/exercise-for-relaxation-an-approach-to-well-being\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offers tips about how exercise and relaxation go hand-in-hand<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acsm.org\/docs\/default-source\/files-for-resource-library\/starting-a-walking-program.pdf?sfvrsn=85e9d2d9_2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start a safe walking program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with these tips<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/disinfecting-your-home.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This information from the CDC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides tips for cleaning and disinfecting your home<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthyplaces\/healthtopics\/parks_resources.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC guidance for visiting parks and recreational areas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> outside your home<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The COVID-19 pandemic might have many seniors spending more time than usual at home, but with a few new tactics, older adults can remain physically and mentally healthy. If your older loved one is at home more often nowadays, remember to focus on safety first. Making sure they receive the assistance they need when they need it can go a long way in preventing emergency room visits due to falls or medication mismanagement.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Since the coronavirus pandemic reached American shores in early 2020, daily life has changed for everyone. However, older adults and other vulnerable populations have been acutely impacted, leaving most of them to decrease social circles and opt for staying home more often in order to stay safe. Because older adults often have complex underlying medical [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":5356,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[394,299,396,395,21],"acf":[],"modified_by":"ArticlesTips","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5353"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5353"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5353\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7564,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5353\/revisions\/7564"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5356"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5353"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5353"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.medicalalertadvice.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5353"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}