If you’re a senior or you have a senior loved one that you spend a lot of time with, you’re probably interested in adopting simple immune-boosting routines. There are several natural processes you and/or your loved one can try to keep immune functions working as well as possible, so read on for a few ideas.
Reduce Stress
Maintaining a calm, low-stress lifestyle is a great way to boost immune health. Stress tends to not only make life difficult, but the impact it has on the body and mind can lower a person’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses.
If you’re a senior or you have a senior loved one, keeping life simple and sticking to a routine can be helpful in preventing stressful situations from cropping up.
Getting enough sleep at night is also an effective way to keep stress levels down, as sleep provides the body with the opportunity to rest and recharge.
Get Low-Impact Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of any immune-boosting routine, though the intensity of a senior’s workout should match the individual’s unique needs. Regular, low-impact exercise not only improves the body’s immune function, but gentle workouts reduce the risk of injury and strain. Chair workouts, tai chi, yoga, and walking are all great low-impact exercises to try.
Enjoy (Occasional) Sun
Sunlight provides human beings with the Vitamin D we need to stay healthy, and because occasional sun exposure is a natural way to absorb this vitamin, spending time outside is recommended.
However, the sun’s powerful rays can also cause sunburns and contribute to the development of skin cancer. As such, it’s important for seniors to limit their time outdoors and wear high-quality sunscreen when they’re outside in nature.
Stay Hydrated
The human body functions best when an individual stays hydrated, so if you have a senior loved one and you want to help keep them healthy, make sure they drink plenty of water. On top of making an effort to consume enough water throughout the day, it’s also a good idea to limit beverages that do more harm than good. Beverages to cut out of one’s diet might include soda or alcohol.
Have a Vitamin-Rich Diet
Much of the energy we need to keep our immune systems functioning normally comes from the food we eat. For seniors to stay healthy, a vitamin-rich diet is a must. It’s a good idea to eat green vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. It’s also smart to limit sugars, processed foods, and items that are fatty or fried.
Seniors may also benefit from taking oral vitamin supplements to ensure they’re getting their daily recommended amount of vitamins and minerals.
As we age, it’s not uncommon to deal with more frequent aches and pains or find it a little harder to bounce back after an illness. By following natural health regimens and attending regular maintenance appointments with your doctor, you’ll have an easier time maintaining your immune system’s ability to keep you feeling your best.