Strengthening The Immune System Is More Important Than Ever Now For Seniors

Covid-19 hospitalizations in the USA has set a new record making it imperative to work out ways to strengthen the immune system for seniors and those with comorbidities to avoid being part of any unfortunate statistic. A strong immune system is critical to surviving the virus. There is a decline in the effectiveness of the immune system with age, which can be attributed to age-related weakening as one grows old. This renders the immune system ineffective in fighting new viruses especially. This is where the boosting of immunity comes into the picture, and is where this blog can be immensely helpful.

Here are some steps to a strong immune system for responding to infections and illnesses effectively:

Diet– Eating a balanced diet is at the center of your overall well-being. Good health is incomplete without a healthy diet. Seniors are much more susceptible to this infectious disease than younger people making it important to fill up your plate with immunity boosting foods- foods rich in minerals and vitamins. Vegetables and fruits are great sources. Remember diet is your biggest and best weapon against the infection. When you are nutrition deficient, you are more prone to getting affected by the virus.

Manage Stress– Stress directly takes a toll on your immune system. So it is important to manage stress well. Deep breathing, meditating, and exercising are good ways.

Exercise– This is not the time to stop exercising, but to make sure to perform physical activity regularly for 30 minutes at least. Covid has brought about drastic changes in our lifestyle in terms of we have resorted to sedentary behaviors, which shouldn’t be the case. Now is the time to be more active than ever in that move more and sit less if you wish to boost the immune system. This will translate into reduced risk for heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and most importantly, fighting the virus.

Sleep– Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep which will aid in healing quickly. This will equip you with a healthy immune system, which is far more robust in fighting viruses and bacteria than a sleep-deprived immune system.

Hydration– Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking adequate water pre- and post meals. In fact, fruits and vegetables too are great ways to stay hydrated. At the same time, cut your alcohol consumption which tends to take a toll on the immune system. 8-9 glasses of water is ideal amount. This will ensure the mucous membranes remain moist that can decrease the likelihood of catching cold and flu.

Some superfoods for older adults:

1. Foods that have vitamin C in abundance, such as cauliflower, spinach, beetroot, oranges, kiwi
2. Foods rich in vitamin E, such as almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds
3. Whole grains and lean proteins
4. Kale, broccoli, mushrooms
5. Foods rich in the healthy Omega-3 fats, such as flax seeds, nuts, beans

Incorporate these superfoods into your diet and get set for a robust immune system. Try to eat these foods in their raw forms instead of resorting to supplements. For specialized memory care for your loved one, book a suite at Anthem Senior Living- an award-winning assisted living Anthem facility in Phoenix. To book a suite, call 602.909.9550.