While monsoons bring with them a certain amount of natural beauty, charm, and solitude, they can also be a little difficult to deal with.
Senior citizens are more prone to certain diseases and infections in this season so on that note, we have put together a complete checklist of how you can be rain-ready this monsoon, whether you are indoors or outdoors.
10 steps to ensure your rain-readiness this monsoon
Our experts have enlisted ten foolproof pieces of advice that can help you combat the rains without worrying about your health, home, or safety! We have also provided product recommendations so you can stay in shape and continue to live a hassle-free life during monsoons. Read on!
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Tip 1
Equip yourself with the basics
This one is a no-brainer; however, it is best we put down everything you might need in order to battle the rains this monsoon. So, if you haven’t already, it is a good time to buy yourself a rain-jacket, raincoat and umbrella if you are keen on stepping out during this season. When it comes to your home, make sure you have water-soaking doormats and baskets to keep your umbrellas handy near every entrance and exit. It also helps to stock some spare towels and warm blankets, since the weather makes it difficult for used or wet fabrics to dry quickly.
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Tip 2
Brace yourself for power cuts
That Renuka Shahane meme has been doing the rounds on social media and WhatsApp for a good reason – power cuts and outages are so common here in India that we are almost immune to them! However, it is best for senior citizens to be completely prepared in such an event where they are alone at home in the dark. Equip yourself with a powerful flashlight, solar-powered light or torch. It is also advisable to keep a few batteries handy – you never know when you might need some.
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Tip 3
Stay connected
Whether you are outdoors or at home, it is best to stay connected with your family and friends. We all know the disaster that struck Mumbai more than a decade ago and the destruction and grievances it brought about. Make sure you have a fully functional and charged mobile phone that has features like speed dial, SOS, and medicine reminders, so you can keep your family informed about your whereabouts and needs. You can also buy a simple alarm with a torch, just in case you need to call someone for help in case of an emergency.
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Tip 4
Keep infections away
High humidity levels can quickly give rise to infections and the spreading of germs. The elderly populace, in particular, is likely to get affected in terms of health during monsoons. Illnesses, respiratory disorders, influenza, dry cough, cold, flu, viral infections, conjunctivitis, digestive problems, ulcers, low fever, and fatigue – watch out for key symptoms and get medical help in case you feel uneasy. It is best to keep your family doctor on speed dial in case of any medical emergencies. You can also stock up immunity-boosting supplements to maintain your immune system. It is also best to avoid crowded places since you could potentially catch contagious diseases and infections can spread before you know it.
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Tip 5
Eat and drink healthy
While ‘eat healthy’ might be a common factor in most of our advice-based articles, it is vital that you pay more attention to your diet during the rains. Avoid street food as far as possible and also keep away from raw vegetables. Instead, maintain a nutritional diet that includes cooked vegetables, fruits, herbal tea, and the like. It is normal to not feel like drinking too much water during monsoons, but it is equally important to ensure that your hydration levels are high. Water can get contaminated very easily in this season, so make sure you have a reliable water purifier installed at your home and in the office. When you step outdoors, it is best to drink mineral water. Alternatively, you can consume water that has been boiled after it cools down since this eliminates the risk of consuming unhealthy water.
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Tip 6
Stay sanitized
Cleanliness is next to godliness; they taught us in school. This couldn’t be truer, especially in the rain. Ensure that you don’t skip your daily showers and make certain that you clean your hands and feet regularly. Stock up on your liquid handwash, bath soaps, and hand sanitizers. Hand sanitizers, particularly, are your best friend in unclean environments.
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Tip 7
Avoid living in damp environments
Dampness is natural and very common in Indian homes and offices. However, damp conditions can lead to the development of molds and fungi, giving rise to the chances of you developing infections and disorders. People with respiratory conditions need to take special care in order to ensure their surroundings are not too damp. Installing an air purifier is a good idea during the monsoons. Make sure that there is enough ventilation in your rooms and get rid of the damp smell by lighting up scented candles. They will not only make your house smell fragrant, but also give you company during power cuts!
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Tip 8
Repair your house
Check your home interiors and exteriors for possible leaks and damaged drains. The last thing you want during the monsoon is for water to be leaking or overflowing into your house. Damaged roofs, cracked walls, old pipes, and clogged-up drains need to be addressed NOW before the rain gods decide to go ballistic!
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Tip 9
Take care of your green treasure
The garden you have spent the entire year developing can get destroyed in a matter of minutes if you aren’t careful. Apply mulch to the surface of your garden’s soil to ensure that there is no unwanted weed growth, excessive erosion, or soil splashing (which could potentially damage your plants). If possible, shift some of your beloved plants indoors – especially those that do not need too much watering on a daily basis. Having a bit of green inside your house can also rid the air of carbon monoxide and circulate fresh oxygen.
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Tip 10
Tread carefully
Senior citizens need to take extra care while walking on wet surfaces. We all know how lovely and even our streets are – potholes and pits can become invisible during the rains since they fill up with water. Make sure you carry a walking aid like a walking stick or cane at all times. Even in places like the balcony, terrace, porch, patio, or garden, it is recommended that you use a walking support aid to be on the safer side. You could also consider patching these surfaces with anti-slip rubber mats to avoid accidents. Diabetics must make sure that their feet are protected and clean at all times. Avoid walking barefoot as far as possible, and use high-quality diabetic socks at home and water-resistant shoes outdoors.
Alright, that is enough advice for the season!
Monsoons are the perfect time for the elderly to sit back, spend time with your loved ones, and relax at home. Wouldn’t you rather enjoy a steaming mug of green tea while listening to your favourite retro music, than go out and put your health at risk?
Seniority cares for you and makes every effort to ensure that senior citizens in India live a happy and evergreen life. Browse through our diverse range of products and choose your favourites. You can order them online, and we will ship them to your doorstep.
