Principle of Living: Different Approaches to Autumn Cold
Generally, as the physical functions of elderly people decline, they should pay special attention to their daily routines in autumn. The approach to autumn cold should vary depending on the individual. Autumn is a season with a high incidence of respiratory diseases, so elderly people with weakened bodies should add appropriate clothing and not focus too much on exposing themselves to the autumn chill. This is because catching a cold can trigger existing conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. As the temperature drops, blood vessels tend to constrict, leading to high blood pressure. Elderly people with hypertension may experience an increase in blood pressure and be at risk for a stroke. Elderly people with excessive internal heat should also avoid excessive cold, as exposure to cold can easily lead to a cold of the "internal heat and external cold" type. Those with cardiovascular diseases should also be cautious to prevent angina triggered by exposure to cold.
The cool and refreshing autumn weather is a good time for elderly people to engage in outdoor exercise. "Nurture the yang in spring and summer, nurture the yin in autumn and winter." Autumn is a season for nourishing, and the exercise of elderly people should also follow this rule. The amount and intensity of exercise should not be excessive. Elderly people should choose suitable exercises based on their physical condition and health status, such as participating in sports activities to improve their tolerance to the cold. They can also engage in accessible cultural and physical activities, such as outdoor walking or practicing Tai Chi. When walking, one should pay attention to balancing work and rest. As a general guideline, elderly people should walk 1000 to 2000 meters or walk for half an hour to an hour, followed by resting for half an hour.
The "Eight Taboos" of Sleep in Autumn
Sleep is an important means for elderly people to restore energy, maintain health, and enhance immune function. In the cool autumn weather, elderly people should pay attention to the following aspects of sleep:
1. Avoid eating before bedtime. Eating before bedtime can increase the burden on the digestive system, leading to indigestion and affecting sleep. If one is too hungry before bedtime, a small snack can be consumed, followed by a short rest before sleeping.
2. Avoid drinking tea. The caffeine in tea can stimulate the central nervous system, causing excitement. Drinking strong tea before bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep, and excessive tea consumption can result in increased urination at night, affecting sleep quality.
3. Avoid emotional excitement before bedtime. Emotional fluctuations before bedtime can cause disturbances in blood circulation, leading to insomnia. Elderly people should avoid worries, anxieties, or emotional excitement, especially avoiding excessive anger.
4. Avoid excessive entertainment before bedtime. Engaging in excessive entertainment activities before bedtime, especially those that are highly stimulating or intense, can keep the nerves in a state of excitement, making it difficult to fall asleep.
5. Avoid excessive talking before sleeping. Talking too much while lying down can harm lung qi and make elderly people more mentally aroused, affecting sleep.
6. Avoid covering the face while sleeping. Covering the face while sleeping can cause difficulty in breathing, leading to a lack of oxygen in the body, which is extremely detrimental to the health of elderly people.
7. Avoid keeping the mouth open while sleeping. Keeping the mouth closed while sleeping is the best way to preserve vitality. Opening the mouth wide to breathe allows cold air and dust to enter the lungs, which can cause respiratory problems and a chill in the stomach.
8. Avoid exposure to drafts while sleeping. During sleep, the body's ability to adapt to environmental changes decreases, making it more susceptible to cold drafts. Therefore, elderly people should pay attention to keeping warm while sleeping and avoid direct exposure to drafts.
