Like many parts of the body, as your loved one ages, her immune system may slow down or stop working as well as it did when she was younger. You might hear your loved one tell you that she feels like she’s always catching every bug or her home care assistance team may alert you that she’s under the weather again and unable to attend something she was looking forward to.

A person’s immune system is responsible for protecting the body from harmful substances like bacteria, toxins, and viruses. When it’s not working well, your loved one is more susceptible to not only minor illnesses like the common cold but also more dangerous ones that could land her in the hospital or worse.

Luckily, your loved one can take steps to keep her immune system strong. A stronger immune system will help her not only be able to fend off some substances but will also allow her body the strength it needs to fight them as needed and she should get over illnesses more quickly.

Here are five steps your loved one can take to have a stronger immune system.

• Get those vaccinations. Vaccinations are like a support group for the immune system. They’ll provide the extra strength your loved one’s immune system needs to fend off viruses and bacteria like the flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19. Many pharmacies have walk-in appointments that your home care assistance provider can transport your loved one to so that she can stay on top of her vaccinations.
• Keep being active. Being active and physically moving builds a stronger body and a stronger immune system. Exercise increases blood flow which has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Even if it’s not part of her current routine, have your loved one start moving just a little more each day. She can even bring her home care assistance provider with her so she has company as she exercises.
• Eat well. What your loved one fuels her body with is important in immune health. She can boost her immune system health by eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables. Whole grains, beans, and fresh fish can also support her immune system.
• Get good, quality sleep. Sleeping does a body good. Without getting good, quality sleep, your loved one’s immune system may lose some of its effectiveness. Some good tips for better sleep are to eliminate daytime naps, have a bedtime routine and limit caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
• Reduce stress. Chronic stress can produce cortisol, a hormone that weakens the immune system when there is a constant flow of it. Some stress will always come and go, but if your loved one is feeling consistently stressed, find the root of it and help her find healthy ways to manage it.

Helping your loved one ensure her immune system is strong is just one way you can help her enjoy all that life has to offer.

If You Or An Aging Loved One is Considering Home Care Assistance in Brighton, CO, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 720-780-7755.