October 5th marks the Double Ninth Festival, the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, as the season gradually deepens into late autumn. Autumn is often considered the most comfortable season for people. However, according to traditional Chinese medicine, autumn sees yang energy gradually descending from its ascending phase, physiological functions tending toward calmness, and yang energy gradually waning. As the climate turns cooler, this season becomes a time when the elderly are more susceptible to illness. Therefore, to adapt to the characteristics of autumn's climate changes, prevent disease, and prolong health, the elderly should pay special attention to autumn wellness practices.
Autumn is a season when illnesses frequently occur among the elderly. Large temperature fluctuations between day and night can easily trigger colds and gastrointestinal disorders. As late autumn arrives, the weather grows progressively cooler and drier, often leading to symptoms such as dry throat, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness, joint aches, and constipation—commonly referred to as "autumn dryness syndrome."Older adults, whose organ functions have declined, have reduced adaptability to external changes. Those who are frail or suffer from respiratory diseases and chronic conditions are particularly prone to relapse. Therefore, during seasonal transitions, seniors should heighten their awareness of self-care. Beware of Autumn Dryness Triggering Old Ailments Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes harmony between heaven and humanity, advocating alignment with the four seasons—that is, adopting corresponding health preservation methods based on seasonal shifts.Autumn's dry climate necessitates specific precautions against dryness. Due to the influence of "autumn dryness," respiratory illnesses like bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and rhinitis are particularly prevalent during this season, especially among seniors with weakened immunity. To counter autumn dryness, adopt personalized moisturizing methods—such as preparing soup with dendrobium orchid—that suit your needs. Additionally, autumn health maintenance for seniors must include preventing the recurrence of chronic conditions.Most seniors have pre-existing conditions. While some illnesses—like stomach ailments, high blood pressure, or elevated blood sugar—are not inherently seasonal, they may flare up during the summer-to-autumn transition due to factors like autumn dryness or colds. Therefore, it's crucial to guard against seemingly minor issues like colds and bronchitis in autumn. Never underestimate these "small problems."
Avoid indiscriminate supplementation
Autumn is traditionally a season for nutritional supplementation, and many seniors begin "gaining weight for autumn" during this time. With numerous health and wellness articles circulating in society today, older adults—a group highly attentive to health and wellness—often carefully read and diligently follow such advice. However, some recommendations may not suit all seniors and can be misleading.
Elderly individuals must tailor their nutritional supplements and dietary therapies to their specific physical conditions. When it comes to health maintenance, it is essential to consult with doctors frequently, avoid acting on one's own initiative, and refrain from blindly following trends in nutritional supplementation.Some seniors view their children purchasing various supplements as an act of filial piety. Yet many supplements, especially traditional Chinese medicine tonics, are highly dependent on an individual's constitutional "cold" or "hot" nature. These conditions themselves vary significantly, and it's crucial to understand one's constitution before taking such supplements. Otherwise, they may cause bodily harm or even trigger illnesses, resulting in more harm than good. Seniors must ensure their dietary choices are suitable, considering multiple factors comprehensively.
Maintaining a Regular Routine is Crucial
During seasonal transitions, the most important thing for seniors is to maintain good habits. They must be vigilant about preventing upper respiratory infections and not dismiss seemingly minor issues like colds. The key to wellness lies in "maintaining a regular routine, eating in moderation, avoiding excessive exertion (meaning balancing work and rest), and keeping emotions calm," thereby preserving both physical and mental well-being.Elderly individuals especially must adhere to "regular routines" during seasonal transitions, ideally avoiding disruptions to established, stable daily patterns. Many seniors experience discomfort after participating in travel activities. This stems partly from fatigue induced by travel, coupled with poor eating and sleeping habits.Moreover, the sudden disruption to their usual routines before, during, and after travel can be particularly challenging for seniors, who often lack the adaptive capacity of younger individuals. Unlike younger people who can naturally adjust within a few days, seniors may experience elevated blood pressure or cardiac discomfort upon returning from a trip, necessitating medical attention.
Additionally, seniors should maintain emotional stability, avoiding extreme joy or sorrow and preventing significant mood swings, as emotional fluctuations are detrimental to health preservation.
Some Seniors Should Avoid Autumn Cold Exposure
For seniors with cerebrovascular diseases, exposure to cold triggers sympathetic nervous system activation, causing systemic capillary constriction. This increases peripheral vascular resistance, elevates blood pressure, and heightens stroke risk. Therefore, individuals with cerebrovascular conditions should avoid autumn cold exposure.
Elderly individuals with cardiovascular disease may experience worsened ischemia and hypoxia in their already compromised hearts when exposed to cold, potentially triggering myocardial infarction. Thus, those with cardiovascular disease should avoid autumn exposure to cold.
Elderly individuals with rheumatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are susceptible to wind, cold, and dampness in autumn. They often experience leg swelling, heaviness, or symptoms like swelling and difficulty walking. Therefore, arthritis patients should avoid autumn exposure.
Elderly individuals with diabetes may develop vascular neuropathy when exposed to autumn's chill, manifesting as numbness and pain in the hands and feet. Severe cases can progress to gangrene. Therefore, individuals with diabetes should avoid autumn exposure.
Autumn Wellness Essentials
Limit Bathing: Elderly individuals should avoid excessive bathing in autumn and refrain from using alkaline soaps to prevent skin dryness and itching. With significant day-night temperature fluctuations, bathing may increase susceptibility to colds and other symptoms.
Embrace Moderate "Chill" Many seniors habitually sleep with their heads covered and tightly wrapped in blankets. However, autumn bridges summer and winter. Moderate exposure to cooler temperatures helps seniors adapt sooner to winter's dry, cold conditions.
Hydrate Adequately, Avoid Sweating Autumn's dry air can cause internal heat. Excessive exercise may lead to sweating and dehydration. Ensure adequate hydration while avoiding excessive perspiration.
Preventing Alzheimer's Disease Cardiovascular diseases are major triggers for Alzheimer's. As autumn cools, peripheral blood vessels constrict, causing significant blood pressure fluctuations. Cold exposure can also induce coronary artery spasms, impairing cardiac blood supply and triggering angina or myocardial infarction.It's advisable to keep herbal remedies at home that relax blood vessels, promote blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, regulate qi, and relieve pain, such as Compound Danshen Tablets.
Maintain a cheerful disposition. This is perhaps the most crucial yet subtle aspect of autumn wellness for seniors. Older adults should engage in fitness and recreational activities, interact with others, and cultivate a positive outlook.