Top 10 Immune System Boosters For Seniors In Houston
Although the body can defend itself from disease-causing vectors, hence prevent them from wreaking havoc to your health, it’s efficiency declines as we get older. This is one of the reasons why older adults are at a higher risk of contracting an infection when compared to younger individuals. It is also for this reason why seniors are suffering from more severe complications from the coronavirus than the younger generation. Although age might have caused your immune response to weakening, there are a couple of things you can do to give it a boost.
The first step to an improved immune system response is by leading an active lifestyle, eating healthy, and getting as much rest as possible. Outlined below are ten healthy-living strategies seniors can adopt to help strengthen their immune system.
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Washing your hands regularly helps get rid (and prevent the spread) of any germs you might have picked on the way. In the wake of COVID-19, experts recommend washing/scrubbing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing with running water. Health experts also recommend hand-washing:
• Before and after preparing food
• Before having a meal or eating anything
• After going to the toilet
• Before and after attending to a sick person
• Immediately after sneezing, coughing, and/or blowing your nose
2. Get Vaccinated
Getting a flu shot also reduces the risk of suffering complications that come with the infection. Studies show that getting vaccinated for flu reduces the chances of catching the same by up to 60%.
3. Eat Healthily
A well-balanced meal provides the body with most of the essential nutrients/components required for good health and a stronger immune system. Your nutritional needs change as you get older, which is why you need to be mindful of what you eat. Poor nutrition not only causes the immune system to weaken but can also lead to other conditions including poor heart health, diabetes, weakened muscles, and bones, as well as cancer. A well-balanced meal should contain whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, a variety of proteins, and low-fat dairy. Ensuring all your meals contain proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, and vitamins will help promote good health and even stronger immunity. Some of the foods to incorporate to your diet plan include:
- Proteins: lean meats, seafood, beans, poultry, peas, and beans
- Vitamin A: Carrots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes
- Vitamin C: Strawberries, citrus foods, cereals
- Vitamin E: Hazelnuts, almonds, peanut butter
- Zinc: poultry, lean meats, whole grain products, beans, and milk
4. Exercise
Leading a sedentary lifestyle will only weaken your immune system and muscles. Staying active and taking on physical exercises, however, helps improve your immunity and resilience. That said, you should strive to exercise for at least 150 minutes each week. Moderate exercises are recommended for older seniors too. As an added benefit, staying active improves your mental fitness as well, hence reduced chances of getting stressed over nothing. Tai Chi, yoga, walking, and even jogging for 10 minutes every day is exercise enough to boost your emotional and mental health.
Should you have a loved one that needs the proper attention, or have any questions about care, we at Assisting Hands are here to help; call or contact us immediately to help your loved ones today. Click here for the second issue of this article.
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