The old man sat on his veranda, inhaling the earthy scent of incoming rain.  Well into the rainy season, he thought of the harmattan to come. Memories of his youth filled his mind: playing in the rain, licking his chapped lips during harmattan, and drawing on dusty car windows.

Now, those vibrant days felt far away. His bones ached with the changing weather, and he worried about his health. The joy of each new season was replaced by concerns about how it would affect him.

Yet, there was a bright side. He watched his grandchildren with a soft smile. They ignored his daughter’s calls beckoning them to seek shelter from the approaching rain. Their excitement reminded him of himself a time ago. 

Each season that passed was a blessing. He found joy in watching his grandchildren experience the magic of the changing weather. Their excitement rekindled a spark within him, reminding him that life’s beauty wasn’t just in the past but in the present moments he was lucky enough to witness.

As the rain started with a soft drizzle, the scent of petrichor filling the air, he whispered a silent prayer of gratitude. Every season he saw was a testament to his endurance and a reminder that life, in all its cycles, was a precious gift.

Like the old man, seasonal changes can bring both joy and health risks for seniors. While spending each season with loved ones is a blessing, it’s important to take good care of your health so that you can prolong your life. Let’s explore diseases that affect the elderly during rainy and dry seasons and how to prevent them.

Monsoon Diseases That Affect the Elderly

With its high humidity and rainfall, the rainy season can weaken seniors’ immune systems, leading to illnesses like conjunctivitis, respiratory issues, cough, digestive problems, fatigue, ulcers, flu, colds, and joint pain.

As caregivers and loved ones, we must understand these risks and take steps to keep our seniors healthy and comfortable.

How To Care for Seniors During Rainy Season

• Use Warm Filtered Water: During the rainy season, water contamination can lead to waterborne diseases. To prevent common monsoon diseases, ensure that seniors only drink, bathe, and use filtered, warm water to stay safe.
• Balanced Diet: Fresh fruits and vegetables are perfect during this time, as they are less likely to be damaged by moisture. Seniors should focus on immune-boosting foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, and turmeric. Eating smaller, frequent meals throughout the day can also help maintain constant energy levels.
• Avoid Street Food: Regardless of the weather, street food is risky due to unknown preparation methods. The risk is even higher during the rainy season because of potential contamination. It’s safer and healthier to prepare meals at home.
• Maintain Good Personal Hygiene: Everyone, including caregivers and seniors, should practise excellent hygiene. Regular handwashing, a clean environment, and frequent baths are essential.
• Use Mosquito Repellent: The rainy season is a breeding period for mosquitoes, which spread diseases like Malaria and Dengue. To protect against these pests, keep windows and doors closed, clear out stagnant water, cut overgrown grass, and use mosquito nets and repellents.

Diseases That Affect the Elderly During Dry Season

The dry and dusty air of the harmattan season may not directly cause illnesses for our seniors. Still, it can trigger existing health conditions like asthma attacks, pneumonia, temporary vision problems, and even eczema.

How To Care for Seniors During Harmattan

• Stay Hydrated: The dry, harmattan air can cause dehydration. Ensure your seniors always have a bottle of water nearby.
• Moisturise Skin: Harmattan can dry out the skin, leading to itchiness and chapping. Use quality moisturisers and oils to keep their skin healthy.
• Purify the Air: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and ease congestion. Clean air filters in air conditioners or purifiers regularly to remove dust.
• Lukewarm Baths: Avoid hot showers or baths that can strip away natural oils. Opt for lukewarm baths with gentle cleansers.
• Limit Outdoor Time: Reduce exposure to the dry, dusty winds, especially during the midday.
• Regular Dusting: Clean and dust home surfaces regularly to avoid dust building up. 

Conclusion

Caring for seniors year-round requires proactive measures to ensure their comfort and health. Each season has its challenges, but with proper care and precautions, seniors can enjoy each moment safely.

Feel free to contact us for more expert tips on how to take care of your seniors. At @Ìtọ́jú, our professional and compassionate caregivers are here to provide the respect and care your loved ones deserve. For more information about our services and care home, reach out to us today.