The clocks have sprung forward and we’re moving into brighter days! Those cold, dark winter months can take their toll, so spring is a wonderful time to improve your mental and physical wellbeing again.
Our tips are specifically useful to older adults, whose health is often impacted particularly negatively by the winter months.
- Boost your diet
One of the most simple and effective ways to boost your health is through diet. Plus, making healthy food choices often feels easier as spring comes round – many of us naturally crave delicious fresh fruit and vegetables as the days brighten up! Make the most of spring by eating delicious seasonal picks – strawberries, apples, bananas, and avocados are all in season, as well as kale, spinach, and mushrooms. Add a range of healthy fats and carbs as well, and you’ll be feeling great both inside and out.
- Enjoy nature
Whilst it’s true for people of all ages, older adults especially tend to spend a lot of time stuck indoors throughout the winter. After this, getting back outside can have a really positive impact on your mental wellbeing. If you can, get out for a short walk, or simply enjoy a relaxing sit in your garden or at a local park. Take in the fresh spring air, listen to the birds, and look around at the flowers coming into bloom. Daffodils especially are all around at this time of year, and seeing all the bright lively colours can provide a great mood boost.
- Safely soak up the sunshine
Both your mental and physical health receive a boost when you take in the sun! Vitamin D deficiency is at its highest following winter, and can cause symptoms such as aching bones, brain fog, and low mood. As you get older, these symptoms can become more apparent. Take the time to soak up the rays and enjoy the overall boost to your health.
- Socialise
It becomes even more important to ensure social interaction is maintained when we get older to maintain a healthy mental state. The longer, brighter days of spring make socialising simpler to arrange- whether that’s a day trip out, having a friend or relative over for a chat, or going to the local shops. Give a loved one a call today and book something in!
This Spring, take these simple and enjoyable steps for that post-winter health boost! As an older adult, prioritising your health is more important than ever – luckily, the brighter days can make this simpler and easier than it has been.
