At the height of the epidemic, everyone wants to stay healthy and improve their health, especially their respiratory system. COVID-19 can be contagious to most people right now, but your lungs do not need to be ready.
Some respiratory illnesses that can harm the health of you or your senior loved one:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (e.g., bronchitis and emphysema)
Asthma
Pneumonia
Lung cancer
Pleural effusion
Here are some tips on how senior living community residents can improve and protect their respiratory health.
1. Avoid cigarette smoke
Seniors should quit smoking cigarettes or tobacco at all costs. This is because it poses a risk not only to your own health but also to others around you who inhale nicotine-smoked smoke.
According to studies, second-hand smoking (inhaling tobacco and cigarette smoke without using the product) increases your risk of lung cancer or lung infection by 30%. So, avoid this by spending less time with smokers or asking them to go out before they light up.
2. Stay away from air pollution
Both indoor (dust, dirt) and outdoor (pollen, smoke from vehicles) air pollution can have serious consequences on your respiratory system. It irritates and slowly damages your airways, putting you at considerable risk for the development of chronic lung diseases. You can prevent inhaling these pollutants:
Keeping your room clean and well ventilated.
Using organic and non-toxic cleaning agents.
Using a dehumidifier or air purifier for air-conditioned rooms.
Using exhaust fans inside your home.
Wash hands with soap and water after going out.
Practice proper hygiene by brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times a day and never skip your dental exams.
In addition to protecting, you from the coronavirus, wearing an outside mask can prevent certain open-air pollutants from entering your lungs.
3. Vaccinate
Seniors 65 and older should be vaccinated against the flu vaccine once a year. This will protect you from getting flu during the season, thereby protecting the health of your lungs. Furthermore, you should also ask your doctor about your eligibility for the pneumonia vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine.
4. Be active
Exercising regularly, even those that are less effective, can strengthen your lungs and protect you from infections. Over time, regular physical activity strengthens the heart and lungs, making both organs more efficient at supplying you with oxygen.
Improve your respiratory health by focusing on doing 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week. You can try these senior-friendly activities:
Brisk walking
Recreational cycling
Gardening
Sweat-inducing household chores
Items that include breathing patterns.
Many senior living communities, such as Heritage Woods, also offer plenty of year-round residential activities. Check out our calendar to see what activities you can participate in and stay active.
5. Get regular check-ups
Lastly, never miss your doctor appointments. Your regular visits to your GP will allow them to keep track of your overall health. They can do many tests to determine your body strength, including your respiratory system.
So, help yourself and your loved ones by increasing the transportation services provided by your senior living community. Get your schedule and relay it to them so they can take you to and from the hospital. Also, they can get a caregiver or staff to escort seniors who need support.
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