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8 Immune System Boosting Tips for Seniors: Exercise and More
The immune system is the body’s defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. It protects the body from possibly harmful substances by recognizing and responding to antigens. It is important to have a healthy immune system because it will be the first defense against illness and diseases, especially for people that are vulnerable to health problems. As a person grows older, their immune system does not work as well, becomes slower to respond thus increases your risk of getting sick, the immune system’s ability to detect and correct cell defects also declines and the body may heal more slowly.
Below are 8 immune system boosting tips for seniors
1.Exercise
Ask your physician about the safe exercise for your age. Maintaining physical activity is important to prevent diseases such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease and osteoporosis it can also help alleviate symptoms of depression and improve the mood in general. It’s important to stay fit and healthy, especially as you get older.
2.Getting enough fluids
Drinking enough fluids is important especially for seniors. Many seniors have health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease and take medication which makes them more vulnerable to dehydration. Drinking enough fluids helps you digest food, absorb nutrients, and get rid of waste. So it is important to take plenty of fluids every day.
3.Having a well-balanced diet
Eating a well-balanced diet is important as you age as it lowers your risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. You need to eat more veggies, fruits, whole grains, and fish. Limit your intake of calories, sugars, and foods with little or no nutritional value.And lastly, take your medications regularly. For more healthcare products visit Halo Health.
4.Getting a good night’s sleep
Many seniors don’t get enough sleep because of insomnia. Experts say getting enough night’s sleep helps improve concentration and memory, it also allows your body to repair any cell damage that occurred during the day, and refreshes your immune system, which results in preventing diseases.
5. Maintaining a healthy level of stress
Managing stress levels is very important for seniors. Stress is harmful to your health and can be particularly dangerous for older adults. Managing stress has a big impact on overall health. It is important for seniors to be proactive about finding ways to manage their stress like engaging in some sort of physical activity every day.
6.Quitting Smoking
Smoking poses a great risk for seniors although quitting from it is difficult to do, especially for the elderly. It is important for seniors to know the benefits that can come from quitting smoking. These include lowering the risk of cancer, heart attack, stroke and lung diseases.
7.Socialize with family and friends
Socializing with family and friends can boost the quality of life for seniors. Having close friends is important, especially as we age. Seniors can feel a sense of belongingness and self-worth when with family and friends thus makes them happier and healthier and live longer.
8. Stay physically active
Having an active lifestyle becomes more important as a person ages. It can make one look and feel younger. It can even help in prevention from common diseases such as heart diseases and diabetes.
Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.