20 May How to Boost Senior Immune Systems
Senior immune systems are at risk of reducing in function due to age, check out these tips on how to boost a senior's immune system.
The immune system is at its best highly efficient. Although, as we age the immune system can begin to not perform at the highest functions. In the current climate it is important to protect you and those you love. Those who age may need some tips and tricks on how to boost their immune system.
The Immune System’s Job
The immune system is essential to fighting off the diseases and sicknesses that threaten our health and even our lives. The immune system functions as a network of cells and tissues that work to identify, attack, and kill possible germs and diseases that enter the body. The immune system gets stronger into adulthood and immunity can be built. Although the immune system weakens as we age, which is why it is important to give our immune system every boost it needs.
How to Boost Immune System Health
Hygiene
Staying clean can not only make you feel good but can also boost your immune system and protect your body from sickness. Handwashing is the most often way to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria from you to others. Scrubbing for at least 20 seconds with soap is imperative t keeping good hygiene. The CDC recommends for washing before activities like preparing food, before eating, after using the toilet, before and after caring for the ill. And after blowing one’s nose or coughing and sneezes. Hand washing can ensure that the spread of germs and diseases are less likely. At Aegis we follow strict protocol to protect our patients.
Staying Up to Date on Shots
Shots and Vaccines provide protection against various sicknesses and diseases. The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended, especially for those who are older and are at more risk with their weakened immune systems and functions.
Stay Active and Eat Healthy
Staying active not only reduces stress and improves health functions but also increases the immune system. Staying active is a way to stay strong and independent, often creating a sense of accomplishment. In older demographics it is especially important to keep active in both mental and physical facilities. It is recommended to keep active for at least an hour every day. For those in older demographics, a nice walk or subscribing to various workout videos is helpful.
Eating healthy is a way to boost your immune system. Poor nutrition can weaken an immune system at any age, especially those who are older. A well-balanced healthy diet can increase cognitive functions and decrease the chance for diabetes, forms of cancer, heart disease and vitamin depletion. Various types of food are known for boosting immune system health. Various citrus fruits provide increased levels of vitamin C and the production of white blood cells. Another source of vitamin C are red bell peppers. Ginger can decrease inflammation, helping with various ailments like arthritis, and has been known to reduce nausea. Leafy greens like spinach are packed with carotene and antioxidants. Yogurt provides probiotics and live cultures to help fight diseases and a source of vitamin D. Vitamin E can be found in foods like almonds and peanut butter, as well as a great source of protein.
Reducing Stress and Connecting with Others
Social isolation can incredibly damage not just to one’s mental health, but also to one’s immune system. Depression and anxiety can deplete immune system health. This can lead to increases in inflammation, and vulnerability to catching various diseases and flus. The most common illnesses related to depression and anxiety are heart disease, infections, and autoimmune diseases. Due to depression causing a la f energy it can cause a decrease in activity and poor sleep increasing chances of heart disease.
Due to stress that can result from social isolation and other factors, it is essential to stay connected and support one another. At Aegis we consider mental health just as essential to preserving the immune health of our patients. It is important to keep up communication with family members and keep involved in community activities to increase social ties.
Avoid the Alcohol, Choose Water
It’s important to keep hydrated and drink plenty of water to allow the immune system to function at the highest level. Water allows to absorption of various nutrients in the body working together with a healthy diet to provide increased immune protection. Consuming alcohol gives little health benefit and can decrease immune system function. As well as the risk of permanently damaging the liver and other organs. It is important to stick with water to give your immune system the best boost possible.