Simple Steps to Boosting Senior’s Immunity

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If you have an older adult, there is a chance you’re looking for a way to keep them healthy. You don’t have to be scared about how to keep them from getting infections. Although older adults have a weaker immune system, there are certain tips that, if properly followed, would reduce the risk of them becoming subject to constant infections.

Older adults are more exposed to contracting an infection due to a weakened and less effective immune system. Aging naturally reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, thus making older adults more vulnerable to infections. It is important for older adults, especially those over the age of sixty, to know this.

As suggested earlier, the function of your immune system declines as you grow older. Your immune system will become slower to combat diseases. There is also a chance you will experience a condition known as an autoimmune disorder. This condition occurs when one’s immune system attacks one’s tissues.

A less effective immune system is not equivalent to death in older adults. The steps below are simple yet effective. We understand that taking care of older adults requires lots of effort; therefore, these tips are designed in such a way that they are simple and can easily be performed with the assistance of one or two persons.

  1. Get a flu shot

Seniors are prone to losing their battle with the flu. This is due to a weak immune system. While the immune system of younger people can combat infections more effectively, the case is different in seniors. If a senior gets a flu shot, the risk of getting an infection is reduced by 60%.

The immune system of a senior cannot be compared to that of a five-year-old, because that of the latter is usually stronger and more effective.

Fluzone high dose and Fluad quadrivalent are flu vaccines designed specially for seniors. Since the chance of contracting an infection is higher in seniors, it is highly recommended for them to get a flu shot.

  1. Avoid smoking

In order for your immunity to be boosted, you may need to do away with some habits. No matter how strong your immune system may be, smoking will reduce its effectiveness. The immune system is designed to protect the body from substances that are foreign to it. Your immune response to flu, colds, and other viruses is usually very weak when you continue to smoke. Smoking is one habit that can increase your chances of having a weakened immune system.

Habits are usually not easy to break. With the help of your doctor, however, you can get rid of smoking. Smoking does not only weaken the immune system; it also enhances lung inflammation, using up antibodies that could have combated other infections.

  1. Reduce alcohol intake

Immoderate alcohol consumption weakens the immune system. As a senior, if you can’t stop taking alcohol, then it is important to see to it that your alcohol intake is reduced to the barest minimum.

Nutrients that are supposed to boost your immunity are heavily limited as a result of excessive alcohol intake. Drinking excessively can also reduce the ability of your white blood cells to eliminate germs.

Limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per day for women and two for men is a good way to boost immunity.

  1. Keep your body hydrated

Seniors who stay hydrated are doing the best for their immune systems. Keeping your body hydrated reduces the chance of contracting infections. Old age might make you desire less water, but sufficient hydration is needed for immunity-boosting.

Generally, water is good for the maintenance of sound health. Proper intake of water helps to digest your food, regulates your electrolytes, and makes it easier for nutrients to be transported easily within your body system.

Water helps to retain minerals and nutrients. It also helps to cleanse waste from the body. Ensure to take water all the time, especially before and after a meal.

  1. Avoid stressing yourself

Your immune system is at risk when your body starts experiencing increased production of cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for regulating your body’s response to stress. Increased production of cortisol can weaken your immune system. Therefore, you must see to it that you avoid stress.

Stress in seniors is always accompanied by repercussions. Exercise is a good way to ward off stress

  1. Eat the right foods

As a senior, you must be careful with what you consume. You must ensure that you take the appropriate vitamins and minerals in order to boost your immunity.

Foods rich in vitamin B12 enhance the function of the nerve and also help to create red blood cells. Vitamin B12 can be obtained from protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, milk, etc.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables will help with the repair of tissues.

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