Hand Hygiene for Seniors: ‘Why Wouldn’t You Make the Effort?’
As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to infections, making good hand hygiene crucial, especially during life transitions like downsizing or entering aged care.
Despite its importance, this practice is often overlooked or inadequately performed.
Infectious Diseases Expert Professor Peter Collignon AM, Senior Medical Advisor for the Commission, stressed the importance of proper handwashing.
‘Handwashing should matter to all of us because it is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of germs and disease,’ Professor Collignon said.
‘Hand hygiene also decreases the risk of infection for us in everyday life in the community because it stops the spread of other bacteria that get onto our hands. There are many germs that can cause serious infections that you can pass on to those around you,’ he added.
Besides highlighting the importance of hand hygiene, the professor also explained the diseases it could prevent when done properly.
Handwashing: Reducing Infections
Regular hand washing significantly reduces the risk of spreading infections within the community.
This is particularly important for older adults who are more susceptible to various diseases caused by common germs, such as E. coli.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are common among older adults, with over 10 per cent of women aged 65+ reporting one in the past year.
Seniors are at higher risk due to weaker immune systems, medical conditions like Alzheimer’s or diabetes, incontinence, urinary catheters, recurrent UTIs, and lower oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women.
Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney damage, sepsis, and severe confusion in the elderly. However, proper hand hygiene can help prevent UTIs by reducing the spread of bacteria that can cause infections.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Golden Staph, also known as MRSA, is prevalent in shared living environments and healthcare settings, affecting over 81,000 Australians annually.
Seniors are at higher risk due to weakened immune systems, frequent healthcare exposure, chronic conditions like diabetes, close living quarters or co-living spaces, open wounds, invasive devices and poor hand hygiene.
Golden Staph can led to severe infections, extended hospital stays, and increased mortality. Proper hand hygiene is crucial to mitigate its spread.
Influenza and Respiratory Illnesses
Influenza and respiratory illnesses significantly affect seniors, who are most at risk due to weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or suppressed immunity.
In Australia, deaths involving influenza and RSV were higher in 2024 than in previous years but remain much lower than deaths due to COVID-19.
To lessen these risks, seniors should practise regular and thorough handwashing, get vaccinated, maintain a clean environment, avoid close contact with the sick, and follow respiratory hygiene practices.
Professor Collignon noted that the heightened focus on personal hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic has diminished over time and that although there is no crisis currently, it should still be maintained.
‘The pandemic shone a spotlight on the role of personal hygiene, including handwashing, but it’s vital we keep reminding people to do it regularly because it is such an easy way to fight germs.
‘Hand hygiene should be an everyday routine habit – whether you are at home, in hospital, attending healthcare appointments or out and about in the community,’ he said.
He also explained, ‘Using good old-fashioned soap and water is the best way to remove bacteria and viruses from your skin. But if you’re busy in transit, travelling or a health worker, hand sanitiser or alcohol rub is a great alternative.’
‘We all have the power to protect ourselves, our loved ones, people we care for, those around us and those who are vulnerable. Hand hygiene keeps the germs at bay – why wouldn’t you make the effort?’
5 Simple Hand Washing Tips
-
Wet: Begin with running water, warm or cold.
-
Lather: Apply soap to create a generous lather, covering all surfaces.
-
Scrub: Scrub for at least 20 seconds, focusing on between fingers, under nails, and up to the wrists.
-
Rinse: Rinse thoroughly under running water.
-
Dry: Use a clean towel, paper towel, or air dryer to dry your hands.
When to Wash Your Hands: Key Times for Over-50s
-
Before and after meals: Prevent germs from contaminating your food.
-
After using the restroom: Essential for stopping bacteria spread.
-
After coughing or sneezing: Reduces transmission of respiratory infections.
-
When caring for others: Frequent washing when tending to sick loved ones or handling their items.
-
In healthcare settings: Wash before and after visiting hospitals, clinics, or aged care facilities.
-
During medication administration: Clean hands prevent medication contamination.
Key Takeaways
-
Handwashing is crucial for preventing infections in seniors.
-
Proper hand washing reduces the risk of UTIs, MRSA, and respiratory illnesses.
-
Effective handwashing involves wetting, lathering, scrubbing for 20 seconds, rinsing, and drying.
-
Handwashing should be done before meals, after restroom use, and when caring for others.
Proper hand hygiene is a simple yet powerful tool in safeguarding health, especially for seniors.
As Professor Peter Collignon emphasised, handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs and diseases.
Regular hand washing can significantly reduce the risk of infections like UTIs, MRSA, and respiratory illnesses, protecting both our health and the well-being of those around us.
Integrating hand hygiene into our daily routines is a key step toward a healthier life.
