According to traditional Chinese medicine, following the natural rhythms of the seasons is the key to longevity. Spring is a time of growth and rejuvenation, summer is a time of heat and activity, autumn is a time of harvest and storage, and winter is a time of rest and conservation. For elderly individuals, it is important to follow these seasonal changes in order to maintain good health. Along with proper diet and lifestyle, seasonal wellness is essential for elderly individuals.
1. Spring Wellness
Spring is the beginning of the year when everything comes back to life. According to Chinese medicine, the yang energy rises in spring, and everything grows and develops. During this season, it is important for elderly individuals to wake up early, engage in outdoor activities, relax their body, exercise, breathe fresh air, and bask in the warm sunlight to adapt to the vitality of spring. However, the weather in spring can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature. Elderly individuals should not remove their clothing too quickly or too early to avoid catching a cold. They should pay attention to staying warm and protected. Spring is also a great time to enjoy the beautiful weather and go for walks to uplift the spirits, which is a traditional Chinese practice.
Feeling drowsy in spring is a common phenomenon for elderly individuals. They should regulate their sleep schedule, go to bed early, and wake up early to establish a regular resting routine. During spring, elderly individuals who are ill should be cautious of sudden temperature changes and avoid consuming raw or cold food.
2. Summer Wellness
Summer is hot and humid, and elderly individuals with weakened energy and blood can easily get sick if not properly cared for. It is advisable to wake up early in the summer to absorb the bright and sunny energy. During midday when the temperature is at its highest, it is recommended to take a nap. It is crucial to prevent heatstroke and stay cool in the summer. It is generally believed that temperatures above 32°C can lead to heatstroke, so it is important to improve the living conditions by ensuring proper ventilation and cooling in the home. When outdoors, elderly individuals should wear a sun hat and loose, light-colored clothing. Sweating in summer can irritate the skin, and if clothes become wet, it is important to bathe and change clothes promptly. Avoid sleeping outside to cool down and ensure an adequate amount of sleep.
Gastrointestinal and skin health are also key aspects of summer wellness for elderly individuals. Due to decreased saliva, gastric acid, and digestive enzyme secretions, as well as slowed gastrointestinal motility, the acidity of gastric fluid decreases. Drinking excessive amounts of water dilutes gastric acid and reduces digestive and absorptive functions. Therefore, elderly individuals should consume light and warm food in the summer and avoid excessive intake of raw, cold, and greasy food.
In summer, sweating can irritate the skin, and scratching due to heat rash or insect bites can cause skin damage and infection. Therefore, in addition to preventing heatstroke, elderly individuals should pay special attention to personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness. It is also recommended to keep refreshing and cooling beverages like chrysanthemum tea and mint tea, as well as commonly used heatstroke remedies such as "rendan" and "shidishui" at home. Drinks like chrysanthemum tea and jasmine tea have heat-clearing effects, while mung bean soup and adzuki bean soup are refreshing and thirst-quenching. Plum soup replenishes body fluids and protects the gastrointestinal tract, and these can be consumed as needed.
3. Autumn Wellness
Autumn brings cool and refreshing air, which makes people feel relaxed and happy. However, with the arrival of autumn, the weather changes from hot to cool, and the body's yang energy gradually declines while yin energy grows. This is the natural rhythm that the body follows in autumn. The temperature in autumn fluctuates greatly, so it is important to dress appropriately and avoid catching a chill. Adding layers of clothing gradually can allow the body to adapt to the cooler weather and enhance cold resistance. As daylight becomes shorter in autumn, it is advisable to go to bed early and wake up later, while engaging in physical exercise.
According to Chinese medicine, autumn is a dry season that easily damages lung qi and body fluids. This can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth and nose, dry skin, dry cough with little phlegm, and constipation. Eating juicy fruits like pear, apple, sugarcane, and water chestnut can help alleviate these symptoms. In summary, the key to autumn wellness for elderly individuals is to maintain a cautious lifestyle, avoid cold winds, engage in appropriate exercise, and pay attention to moisturizing the body and enhancing physical fitness.
4. Winter Wellness
As autumn transitions to winter, cold weather affects the body in various ways. Winter is a season that can trigger illnesses such as colds, bronchitis, asthma, heart and lung diseases, and emphysema. Therefore, it is important to take additional measures to keep warm and protect oneself from the cold. Elderly individuals should wear warm, soft, lightweight, and dark-colored clothing in winter. Since sunlight is weaker in winter, it is beneficial for elderly individuals to spend more time in the sun to warm their skin and invigorate their blood, preventing diseases. Avoid staying indoors for long periods without exposure to sunlight, as this can make the elderly more susceptible to the cold due to their already weakened bones and frailty.
Due to the shorter daylight hours and lower temperatures in winter, elderly individuals should go to bed early, wake up slightly later in the morning, and engage in outdoor activities after sunrise to avoid the cold. Winter is also the best season for elderly individuals to engage in physical exercise, and the level of activity can be slightly increased compared to other seasons.
Winter is also a good time for nourishment. Depending on individual constitution, elderly individuals can engage in appropriate dietary or medicinal supplementation to strengthen their bodies.
