As we age, it becomes far more critical to boost our immune health. But many seniors aren’t sure of how to go about doing that or they may discount the importance of taking these very important steps for strengthening immunity. If you are concerned about senior care in Midland or you’re an elderly adult aiming to avoid complicated health problems down the line, consider these helpful hints to increase the efficacy of the body’s immune system.
Eating Healthy
Routine Activity
It all starts with good nutrition. Ensuring that your diet remains healthy and rich in vitamins and nutrients is absolutely vital for staving off illness and viruses. This means consuming an abundance of fruits and vegetables and reduce the amount of fat, sugar, sodium, and processed foods that find their way onto your dinner plate.
Some seniors may require a dietary supplement in the form of a multivitamin to get the vitamins and minerals that your diet may not be providing.
Routine Activity
Many seniors may think to steer clear of any type of strenuous activity or exercise as a way to avoid sustaining a bad fall or overexerting themselves and injuring something. This isn’t the best idea because when you avoid any physical activity it can lead a weakening of your immunity. So, find the things that you can do where you won’t be worried or concerned about getting hurt or overdoing it.
Be sure to get at least one-half hour of physical activity two to three days a week. You don’t need to do overly strenuous activities either, simply going for a walk is good enough. Should you feel inclined to do something else such as take a swim, go for a bike ride, or take a yoga class, then by all means do so!
Reduce Your Stress
Stress can have a devastating effect on the mind and body. For elderly adults, those effects can have an even more negative impact and greatly reduce immunity. This is due to the production of a hormone called cortisol when the body undergoes any stressful situation. When this occurs it also restricts other body systems and functions that aren’t required during this time, mainly anything that won’t help you avoid or escape the stressor.
As a result, this can lower your immune system and make you far more susceptible to catching the simple cold or something more serious. So, it’s very important to find ways to lower your stress over the long-term. It’s unrealistic to think we can avoid stress entirely and short-term stress isn’t harmful. But those larger, lingering issues that bring higher levels of stress that can wear down your immunity over time and have a detrimental effect.
Sleep Well
Being deprived of rest is one of the fastest ways to make yourself more likely to get sick. Sleep is essential for helping the body heal and recover and that includes strengthening your immune system. So, get at least seven to eight hours of good, restful sleep each night. Anything less could be damaging to your immunity.
