Golden Tips for Caring for the Elderly During Tet: Avoid Bloating and Indigestion

Tet is a time for family reunions, a time of complete joy without fatigue.

Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions and bustling homes. In this shared joy, the elderly tend to eat more freely than usual. However, sudden changes in eating habits, especially overconsumption, can have negative consequences:

• Starchy foods (such as sticky rice and banh chung)
• Fried foods, lots of oil and grease.
• Eat everything into 1-2 main meals.

This can easily lead to unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, belching, feeling heavy, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue. A truly joyful Tet celebration is when elderly people still feel light in their stomachs and refreshed after each meal.

Why are older adults more prone to bloating and indigestion?

The aging process slows down the activity of the intestines and stomach. The ability to secrete digestive enzymes also decreases. When having to process a large amount of food, especially difficult-to-digest foods, the food will remain in the stomach longer. This causes:

• A feeling of heaviness in the stomach, bloating radiating up to the chest.
• Heartburn, burning sensation in the stomach.
• This negatively impacts sleep quality, which is crucial for the health of older adults.

Small habits that create a healthy digestive system during Tet (Lunar New Year)

Adjusting your eating habits appropriately is key to protecting your digestive system and ensuring that the joy of the spring season is not interrupted.

Tips for the elderly

• Eat slowly, chew thoroughly: This is a simple but extremely effective step to reduce the workload on your stomach.
• Order of meals: Start your meal with green vegetables, soup, and boiled dishes. Fiber helps with digestion.
• Avoid eating too much at dinner: Especially after 7 PM. Eating a light meal in the evening helps prevent acid reflux and promotes better sleep.
• Light exercise after meals: Walk around gently for 10–15 minutes after eating, avoiding lying down immediately. Supportive methods include: Therapeutic massage Gentle movements can also help relax the body and aid digestion.
• Avoid swallowing air: Avoid talking too much while eating, as this helps reduce the amount of air swallowed.

Support from children and family

The role of descendants in caring for the elderly Staying at home is extremely important. Families can help by:

• Serve your grandparents a moderate portion, avoiding making them feel like they have to force themselves to eat everything on the table.
• Prepare the vegetables, soup, and fruit and set them on the table.
• Remind the elderly to drink warm water regularly throughout the day to aid digestion.

In case there is a family member who needs help caring for the sick Continuous or necessary assistance with house cleaning during Tet holiday can be provided through a service. HousemaidSeeking professional support can help the remaining family members focus on spending time with their elderly parents.

The importance of listening to your body.

No one understands their own body better than the elderly themselves. This is the most important thing in old age. If you feel full, have chest tightness, or experience any discomfort in your stomach, that's when you should stop eating, even if your children or grandchildren offer you more delicious food.

Knowing how to take care of oneself, respecting one's own feelings of hunger and satiety, and avoiding the extreme of trying to please others to the point of causing oneself suffering are all important aspects of caring for the physical and mental health of older adults..