HOME HEALTH GUIDE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 August 1943, Page 5

HOME HEALTH GUIDE

CARE OF THE ELDERLY (By the Department of Health) This is the time of the year when the old folk need a little extra care and attention so that life may be easier and happier. Winter is an unpopular season with everyone, but to those whose years are declining additional deeds of kindness and thoughtfulness arc especially welcome. In the first place warmth is essential. It has to be remembered that in the old the heart’s action is less vigorous, the blood circulates more slowly, and the oxygenation of the tissues is less complete. Therefore, they feel the cold more keenly. Also, the body fat. which should act as a natural overcoat, as it were, tends to waste, or else to hamper the action of the vital organs, and this too is a cause of chilliness.

Many of these people are capable of very little outdoor exercise, if any. They can't go out and warm themselves up with a nice brisk walk in the open air—which is one of the finest ways of speeding up the circulation. And sitting by a meagre fire is a cheerless sort of business. See that they are wrapped up warmly, and if it is required a hot water bottle on the lap or at the back or feet will be a big help. Hot drinks are warming and comforting—something like hot milk, which is both nutrient and warming, broth, cocoa or chocolate.

Care in small ways, a cheery word or two. help to brighten up thd remaining days of our old folk and makelife for them a little more tolerable than it might otherwise be.