If you are over 50 years old and you are healthy and live a healthy lifestyle, you are still in that vulnerable group risk when it comes to facing complications if you were to catch the Coronavirus. Those who are younger that are healthy have developed complications and some have even died from the virus. This means that your risk is even higher.
This is why if you are over 50 and your health is good, you cannot assume that you won’t become seriously ill if you were to catch COVID-19. And let’s go over the 11 worst mistakes you can make which can easily increase your chances of getting sick.
Not Being Careful At Large Outdoor Gatherings
It has been said that attending outdoor gatherings is safe because the virus does not last for very long outdoors as long as you are social distancing from others. However, you can easily become complacent and not stand far away from people, as well as inadvertently not practicing proper sanitation. This right there can put you at risk. You can attend outdoor gatherings as long as you are careful.
Going To Nursing Homes
If you have a parent or an older friend or relative at a nursing home, of course, you will want to see them. However, even if the nursing home claims they are free of the virus, there could be asymptomatic workers and residents there who would not know otherwise. It is safest right now to arrange for a video chat. Nursing homes are known to have the highest rates of COVID-19.
Having Family Gatherings
If you are lucky enough to be a young grandparent, you will want to see your grandkids. However, kids are known to be spreaders of the virus and they are often asymptomatic or present having a cold. It is best to arrange zoom calls with them. And the same goes for seeing other family members such as your nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Staying Indoors All Of The Time
You should go outside as it is good for your mental and physical health as long as the weather permits. Go to parks and if you live near a beach, go to a beach. Just remember to social distance as much as you can as you will be safe outdoors. Enjoy the great outdoors.
Not Exercising At All
You need to keep exercising to stay as healthy as you can. As it was already mentioned, take advantage of the outdoors so you can take your brisk walks or if you are fit for hiking, do that. Exercising can help keep your immune system stronger. You are still in the higher risk category if you catch the virus, but staying in shape will only help you fight it better if you were to catch it.
Unhealthy Eating Lifestyle
How is your diet? If you are eating poorly by eating processed foods with a lot of sugar and trans fats, that will only increase your chances of developing complications. Be sure to eat nutritiously and eat balanced meals of foods from each of the food groups. Eat vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole-grains. Drink plenty of water as well. That will help keep you healthy and strong.
Sharing Misinformation Online
There is a lot of misinformation on the virus. Those often are stemmed from conspiracy theorists and those who write articles for the sake of making money for linkbait that purposely share incorrect information. Ignore those sites to stay away from. Only share information from the CDC, WebMD, Healthline, and any reputable source. Your local news websites are also reputable.
Not Washing Your Hands Properly
If you are just rinsing your hands off without using soap for 10 seconds, then you are not sanitizing yourself at all. That will not help you. You need to scrub your hands by using soap and water for 20 seconds and get your hands to lather up. If you do that, then you will kill off the germs.
Not Getting The Flu Shot
You need to get the flu shot especially this year. If you don’t, then you are more likely to get the flu which can be confused with the Coronavirus. Even though the flu shot won’t prevent the Coronavirus, it will reduce the chances of you ending up with the flu. Or, if you get the flu, it will be milder.
Not Monitoring Your Blood Pressure
Making positive lifestyle changes will also help reduce your blood pressure. And you want to keep your blood pressure low. If you don’t, and your blood pressure is high, you could end up facing serious complications if you end up getting the Coronavirus.
Shaking Hands
Most people realize that shaking hands is a bad idea during the era of COVID-19. But some people still do it and you want to avoid shaking hands at all costs. You never know if the individual that you are shaking hands with has COVID-19 and is asymptomatic or has some other sickness that is contagious. Just don’t do it. Wave from a distance and that is the safest way to greet someone.
While the pandemic is still a threat, you must take these precautions. Everyone regardless of their age should stay careful. However, if you are over 50, you want to be extra careful because you are vulnerable regardless of your health.
