🌿 Folk Prescriptions

After entering autumn, temperature fluctuations are significant; daytime temperatures remain high, while mornings, evenings, and nights are relatively cooler, and the climate gradually becomes drier. After catching a chill, people often experience symptoms such as dry throat, nasal congestion, coughing, hoarseness, joint pain, and constipation—commonly referred to as "autumn dryness syndrome." After a fall rainstorm, temperatures drop sharply. Elderly individuals, whose organ functions are in a declining phase, have poor adaptability to external changes and cannot withstand sudden temperature shifts, leading to recurrence of respiratory diseases and chronic conditions. Therefore, self-care is especially important for the elderly after autumn arrives.
First, appropriately increase physical exercise to adapt to changing temperatures and enhance resistance to illness. Autumn offers ample sunlight without excessive intensity, making it the ideal season for outdoor activities. Elderly individuals can choose suitable outdoor activities based on their physical condition: those in good health may opt for hiking, fishing, or excursions; those with weaker constitutions should select low-intensity activities such as walking outdoors, practicing tai chi, or qigong.
Adjust clothing promptly according to temperature changes, especially during late autumn. Do not follow the "spring wrap, autumn endure cold" approach like younger people, to avoid exposure to cold that could trigger respiratory diseases or recurrence of chronic illnesses. Secondly, reasonably adjust nutrition and pay attention to dietary hygiene. In early autumn, temperatures remain high—the optimal period for mosquito and fly breeding and bacterial proliferation. Food easily spoils and deteriorates, leading to higher incidence of intestinal infectious diseases such as dysentery and enteritis, and food poisoning is also common. Thus, special attention must be paid to food hygiene.
Avoid consuming raw, cold foods or seafood. Elderly individuals have weaker gastrointestinal function and are more sensitive to cold stimuli; even cold drinks meeting sterilization standards may cause diarrhea. Leftover food from home meals must be thoroughly reheated before consumption, otherwise acute gastritis or food poisoning may occur. During late autumn, the climate is relatively dry, and elderly individuals often feel deficient in body fluids, manifesting as dry mouth, dry throat, and constipation. At this time, adjust your diet properly by eating more moistening and fluid-producing foods such as soy milk, tomatoes, pears, bananas, red dates, lotus seeds, and poultry eggs. Avoid or minimize spicy foods to improve organ function and enhance disease resistance.
Additionally, elderly individuals should maintain a cheerful mood. Correctly assess yourself, perform household chores moderately, and seek medical examination and treatment promptly if any discomfort arises.