Maintaining a strong immune system in old age is the key to long term health. Infections or illnesses that younger bodies cope with over a few days can be serious for a senior. Indeed, respiratory infections are one of the largest causes of deaths to seniors.
Keys to strengthening the immune system are nothing new to a healthy lifestyle, but should be observed closely at this stage of life.
- Eat healthy. A colourful plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal will add important nutrients to the body. Focus more on adding good foods, than avoiding bad foods for long-term success.
- Exercise. Walking, aquacise, yoga, or whatever you prefer! Thirty minutes a day is all it takes to promote long-term immune health.
- Water. Your body depends on enough water to function properly, including the immune system. Drink plenty of water every day. If your senior loved one doesn’t like the taste of water, try water flavours (found in most grocery stores), real fruit juice, or herbal tea.
- Vitamins. Take your vitamins! Many health professionals agree that it is not possible to consume as many calories as it would take to ingest the proper doses of each vitamin and mineral – especially with generally lighter senior appetites. That is why a multi-vitamin complex made for seniors works wonders to support the immune system.
- Sleep. Getting enough sleep is incredibly important to letting the body do the repair work it needs to do every 24 hours. Get enough, restful sleep every night, and take naps in the afternoon if you feel tired enough to do so.