A new change of season, a new challenge for our organism. It is usual for the state of health to suffer from these changes in the timetable, temperature, or radiation levels. Common illnesses in elderly individuals usually occur at this particular season of the year. During the spring, elderly health conditions require special attention to prevent and treat some more common pathologies that arise at this time of year. In this post, you will find out about spring health issues, their symptoms, and how to avoid them.

How does spring affect the elderly?

The particular conditions of each individual largely condition the way in which they experience the seasonal changes. However, in the case of spring, there are features that are characteristic of this particular season and that affect all population groups to a greater or lesser extent.


Spring in the elderly is a very particular case, as those disorders common to any age group are manifested more intensely in the elderly. Any change in routines, schedules, or environment requires a much slower and longer adaptation process at an advanced age.


For this reason, and although it is a season full of advantages from the point of view of health and outdoor activities, it is necessary to take into account some age-related factors and follow the advice below to make this transition a success.


The common spring illnesses in older people and how to deal with them

In order to deal effectively with the changes that occur during these months, it is first necessary to know what are the 'seasonal challenges' that older people face in spring.


Generally speaking, the most common springtime illnesses in the elderly fall into one of three groups listed below:


1. Those that are caused by sudden changes in temperature.

2. Those related to spring allergies

3. Those that have their origin in spring asthenia

4. Sudden changes in the normal temperature


Atmospheric instability is the usual trend during the spring months. No sooner are we pulling out the umbrella than we are wearing sunscreen. This is an ideal season to reschedule outdoor activities, but don't let your guard down; take all the precautions you can during this period.

The elderly are much more sensitive to changes in temperature than any other age group in society. Therefore they require much care and attention during this particular season and keep a close on them. If you go out for a walk with them, make sure you have everything you need to cope with them. It is better to wear extra clothes and get rid of them at the right time than to let a cool breeze ruin a pleasant afternoon walk.


Outdoor activities significantly improve the physical and mental health of older people. While winter is a more passive time of year, spring is the time to recharge your batteries. However, avoid relapses by wearing the proper clothing and using suitable prevention measures at all costs.


Don't forget that to cope with these fluctuations in the thermometer, and you also need to take care of yourself on the inside. Maintaining optimal hydration levels and including seasonal fruit and vegetables in your menu (artichokes, spinach, strawberries, cherries, asparagus, apricots) will provide extra protection against possible colds and cases of flu.

Spring asthenia is not a pathology exclusive to the elderly. It affects more people between the ages of 10 and 50, prevalent in women. However, spring asthenia in the elderly manifests itself with more accentuated symptoms.


Aspects such as apathy, tiredness, or lack of motivation are pretty common at older ages. Environmental and emotional factors associated with spring asthenia can aggravate and affect other aspects of the health of the elderly.

Although to a lesser extent, there are also other types of pathologies characteristic of spring. If they are not considered in care plans for the elderly, they could pose a potential risk to their health.

In spring, it is more common to go outside. Increased physical activity also increases the risk of injury, especially to the lower limbs. It is essential to modulate physical exercise and adapt it to the capabilities of each person.

On the other hand, starting the pool and spa season means paying special attention to fungal infections. It is one of the common diseases in old age, and older adults are more prone to this type of infection as they have a more vulnerable skin and immune system.


Finally, do not neglect the proliferation of insects during spring. Spiders, bees, wasps, mosquitoes... Their bites need not necessarily become a serious health problem, but they need to be supervised to avoid further complications, especially when they affect the older people.


Have you taken note? These tips for caring for the elderly in the spring will help you to ensure their optimum health at a time when we are all more prone to spring allergies and mood swings. From Cuidum we encourage you to introduce these changes in the care of the elderly during the coming months to prevent the most common medical conditions in spring to the elderly.