April 21, 2020
As we age, it’s natural for our immune systems to weaken. That means seniors have to work a little harder to keep their immunity strong. And as we find ourselves in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s even more important for seniors to do all they can to strengthen their immune system.
The problem is, you might be wondering how to boost immune system in seniors. After all, you might not spend too much time thinking about your immune system unless you’re sick. You know that you should wash your hands often. But other than that, you’re curious about natural ways to build your immune system.
There’s no need to worry. We’re here to help you stay healthy during your retirement journey. In this post, you’ll discover five natural ways for seniors to boost their immune system.
We all know the feeling when you’re stressed. You might feel tired, run down and frustrated. But you might not know that having high levels of stress regularly can hurt your immune system. Excess stress gets in the way of your body’s natural process of fighting infections.
With stay at home orders and social distancing, the normal ways you use to reduce stress may not be an option. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to relieve stress in the comfort in your own home. Mediation, yoga and Tai Chi are great at-home options. Plus, there are a variety of videos online that can help get your practice started.
You might already know that doctors recommend that you drink at least eight glasses of water a day. But are you keeping up with that advice? People of all ages have trouble drinking enough water. But once you know the effect hydration has on your immune system, it might give you some extra motivation.
When you’re hydrated, your mucus membranes stay moist. Why does that matter? Staying hydrated helps your mucus membranes stop infections like the flu from taking hold.
As we naturally age, it can become challenging to stay active. And with gyms being closed across the country, you might think it’s best to take a break until they re-open. But did you know that regular physical activity helps your body’s immune system get stronger? Exercise helps your body produce more antibodies and T-cells. The more of those cells that are circulating in the body, the harder it is for infections to spread in your body.
The good news is that there are still plenty of ways you can exercise in the middle of social distancing. You can go for a walk at a nearby park or spending some time gardening.
Think about the last time you stayed up too late or couldn’t fall asleep. The next day, you felt run down and getting things done was an uphill battle. Well, the same thing happens to your immune system when you don’t get enough sleep.
For a healthy sleep schedule, try and get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Well that might not sound doable now, once your body gets in the habit of going to bed at the same time, it will get easier.
No matter what your age is, a healthy and balanced diet can help boost your immune system and keep it strong. You’ve heard about a healthy diet before but getting started isn’t as bad as you might think. All it takes is adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
And if you’re looking for an extra boost to your immune system, the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a list of foods they recommend. Remember that a healthy diet doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with small changes until the healthy behaviors become habit.
At Franciscan Ministries, we believe in celebrating life. And by building a strong immune system, you’ll be able to experience more meaningful moments in the future. If you’re interested in learning more about the vibrant lifestyle at Franciscan Ministries, find a community near you.
We know that coronavirus is having a big impact on seniors across the country. But there are still meaningful connections out there for you to explore. That’s why our communities are offering virtual tours. You’ll be able to keep your senior living search moving forward and be one step closer to finding your next home.
Contact our friendly staff today if you’re interested in learning more about the next meaningful chapter of your retirement.
© Copyright 2024|Privacy Policy|Disclaimer|Equal Housing|Accessibility|Site Map
