10 Immune System Boosters for Seniors
Last Updated: October 24, 2018
For older adults, having a strong immune system is important, especially during cold and flu season. Seniors are more vulnerable to infections, so our parents and senior loved ones need to take extra precautions to ensure they stay healthy.
Learn about 10 immune system boosters that seniors can use to get through the season without catching an illness.
How to Strengthen Immunity During Cold and Flu Season
Healthy-living strategies become more significant as we age, because the older we get, the more susceptible we become to infections and inflammatory diseases.
In fact, the leading causes of death for people over age 65 are the respiratory infections influenza and pneumonia.
Fortunately, the following tips include some of the best immune system boosters for older adults that allow for a faster recovery and prevent a more serious health issue if your senior loved ones do catch a cold.
10 Immune System Boosters for Seniors
According to Harvard Medical School and WebMD, these 10 immune system boosters can help get your parents and senior loved ones through cold and flu season:
1. Consider herbal supplements or multivitamins.
An option for fighting infections and increasing nutrients, seniors should talk to their doctors first before adding herbs such as echinacea, ginseng, multivitamins or probiotics to their regimen.
2. Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.
Older people tend to eat less and have less variety in their diets. Fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C and E and zinc are essential to good health. So is maintaining a low-fat, low-sugar diet that incorporates lean proteins and whole grains.
3. Exercise.
Regular physical activity promotes circulation and heart health and relaxes the body and mind. Bicycle rides, walks, yoga classes and other forms of exercise help boost a senior’s immune system performance and ward off infections.
4. Get vaccinated.
Flu vaccines have shown to be effective for around one-quarter of older adults. Seniors who get the flu vaccine have significantly lower rates of sickness.
5. Reduce stress.
Stress has been linked to a number of illnesses, including heart disease and stomach problems. Whether it’s isolation, social stress or another form, stress can suppress a senior’s immune system, making them more susceptible to viruses.
6. Sleep.
One of the best natural immune system boosters, sleep helps us respond better to inflammation and stress. It’s also shown to improve our response to the flu vaccine.
7. Stay hydrated.
Seniors tend to sense thirst less than younger people. But older people need at least eight to nine glasses of fluid a day to keep mucous membranes moist, which lowers the chances of flu or colds. Coffee, soup, tea and water all count.
8. Stay positive.
A healthy outlook on life boosts endorphins, which make us feel good. Seniors who keep up with activities and hobbies that make them happy have a better chance of staying healthy and positive.
9. Try some superfoods.
Foods like avocados, berries, broccoli and kale have been shown to improve immune system performance. Some superfoods even boost cognitive function and help fight dementia.
10. Wash hands.
Washing hands regularly scrubs away germs. Covering coughs and sneezes helps prevent diseases from spreading.
Illness isn’t inevitable, but good habits lend to keeping seniors happy and healthy so they can enjoy the most out of life.
Do you know of any other immune system boosters for seniors that we should add to our list? We’d like to hear your suggestions in the comments below.
Related Articles: