Springtime Health: Managing Seasonal Allergies for Seniors

The springtime is a welcomed reprieve from the dreary days of winter. However, the blossoming flowers and warmer temperatures are also accompanied by seasonal allergies for one in three adults.

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, can cause many unpleasant symptoms, including watery eyes, sniffling, sneezing, and a runny nose. And because of their weakened immune systems, older adults can often experience more severe symptoms. Plus, allergies can be simply downright pesky. That’s why it’s important for seniors to take appropriate measures to reduce their exposure to allergens and stay safe and comfortable all season.

Use these simple tips and local resources to help keep allergy symptoms to a minimum so that you can enjoy the season, both inside and outside this year.

Create an Allergy-Friendly Home Environment

Unfortunately, allergens like pollens, grass, trees, and mold spores can find their way into your home, aggravating your symptoms. Reducing these allergens inside your home is the first step to controlling your exposure–and reaction–to them. Since the majority of our time is spent at home, it’s the last place we want allergens to contaminate!

Some ways you can remove and reduce allergens within your home are by:

Using Dehumidifiers: High indoor humidity can boost the number of allergy-causing bacteria in your home, including mold and mildew. Place dehumidifiers strategically throughout your home to reduce indoor humidity, including by your bed and in your living room. Be sure to change the filters regularly.

Shower Immediately After Being Outdoors: Take a bath or shower, wash your hands, and change your clothes after being outside or tending to animals.

Keep Your AC On: Turn your air-conditioner on to filter and circulate your air and prevent allergens from spreading. Remember to regularly change your filter, as debris and clogs can worsen your allergy symptoms.

Use Hypoallergenic Linens: Hypoallergenic pillows, covers, and bedding can help keep allergy issues from disturbing your sleep.

Proactive Outdoor Planning

Bartlesville seniors want to get out and about on gorgeous springtime days. A round of golf at Adams Golf Club or a visit to the Monarch butterfly garden at Jo Allyn Lowe Park sounds so relaxing…unless you’re an allergy sufferer. But getting outdoors is so good for our bodies, minds, and souls. Don’t avoid it because of your allergies. Instead, plan ahead to give yourself better chances of minimizing allergy issues while out enjoying your life. A few ways to do this include:

Wearing sunglasses to keep irritants out of your eyes
Avoiding freshly mowed grass
Visiting the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website to stay updated on pollen counts in your area and stay indoors when counts are high
Avoiding areas with lots of trees, grass, and foliage
Pay attention to the time of day when your allergies are most-likely to act up, and avoid going outdoors during those times

Stay in close touch with your physician, so they can help you manage your allergies better. They will likely be able offer suggestions and solutions that can help. Over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications also come in handy during the spring season.

Allergy-Free Activities in Bartlesville, OK

Senior centers, libraries, and coffee shops are great places to spend time outside the house while avoiding allergy symptoms. We recommend socializing and participating in activities with others at the Bartlesville Adult Activity Center at 1400 SE Washington Blvd. Another good option is the Bartlesville Public Library at 600 South Johnstone. There, you can attend a book reading, join a book club, or surf the web at your local library. Or just grab a good book, find a comfortable chair, and enjoy a hobby while in the comfort of others.

If you want to be outside, choose a park with concrete walking trails. Some good options are Johnstone Park and Civitan Park.

Enjoy Springtime with an Angel Caregiver at Your Side

Visiting Angels of Bartlesville, OK, provides in-home care services to seniors throughout the area. Our caregivers can help with light housekeeping to reduce indoor irritants, monitor the pollen outside, and drive you to the local community center.

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