The holidays should feel warm and easy, not exhausting or derailing your health. Here’s a simple guide to enjoy the season without the sugar crash, sniffles, or stress spiral.
1) Build a better holiday plate
- Fill half your plate with veggies/fruit, add lean protein, and keep rich sides to small scoops.
- Stay moving: adults 65+ do best with ~150 minutes/week of moderate activity plus balance/strength work. Ten-minute walks count.
- Hand hygiene matters at gatherings, clean hands cut respiratory illnesses.
2) Keep leftovers safe (avoid the “two-hour” trap)
- Refrigerate or freeze holiday foods within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour if it’s hot out).
- Slice large roasts/turkey into smaller pieces so they cool fast; it’s okay to refrigerate hot food.
- Not sure how long something keeps? The USDA FoodKeeper tool gives clear storage times.
3) Plan for calm, not perfect
- Pace your calendar, say yes to what you enjoy, and build in recovery time.
- Gentle movement is a proven stress reliever, short walks, stretching, or light dance breaks help mood and sleep.
4) Quick vaccine check
- Flu shot: covered under Medicare Part B, no cost if your provider accepts assignment.
- COVID-19 vaccine: also covered by Part B; bring your red-white-blue Medicare card to the pharmacy/clinic.
Bottom line
Enjoy the food, protect your energy, and keep the basics (movement, handwashing, safe leftovers) on autopilot. Questions about vaccine coverage or plan perks (like fitness or telehealth)? Contact your broker—happy to check your benefits and options.