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10 Immunity-Boosting Tips for Seniors

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Staying healthy and making sure your immune system is in tip-top shape has never seemed more important – especially for individuals age 65 and older.

“COVID-19 has highlighted, more than ever, the importance of taking health precautions and doing everything possible to boost your immunity,” says Leslie Delaney, Senior Advisor of Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham. “We’ve seen that seniors are most susceptible to complications from coronavirus – and if the senior has a compromised immune system or underlying health issues, the risk is even greater.”

It doesn’t help that, as we age, our immune systems naturally become weaker and less efficient at fighting off infections. Luckily, there are many strategies that older adults can do to help boost their immune system and stay as healthy as possible.

“The healthier you are, the better chance you have at dealing with a health threat like COVID-19,” says Leslie. “Fortunately, the strategies that are being recommended are common-sense approaches that you may already be employing in your everyday life. Best of all, by following these immunity-boosting tips, you’ll not just reduce your risk of COVID-19, you’ll also boost your overall health and reduce your risk of developing severe health issues like diabetes and heart disease.

 

10 Strategies for Boosting Your Immune System

1. Wash your hands.
Hopefully, this is something you’re already doing on a regular basis. Washing your hands is the single most effective way to reduce the spread of germs from one person to another. For it to be completely effective, use a large helping of soap and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. (20 seconds is the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.) The CDC has a list of times when you should wash your hands, but let’s be honest: you’re a grownup. You know when to wash your hands. Wash them regularly and wash them often. If you’re out and about and don’t have access to a handwashing station, hand sanitizer that’s 70% alcohol will work just as well.

2. Get vaccinated.
While we don’t have a vaccine for COVID-19 yet, we do have vaccines for other infections that can cause complications for seniors, such as the flu. While getting vaccinated isn’t 100% effective, it reduces your risk significantly, and if you do happen to catch the flu, it helps lessen the severity of the symptoms. Older adults should also ask their doctors about other vaccines they should get based on their health history – pneumonia and whooping cough are two diseases that spring to mind.

3. Eat a well-balanced diet.
Food is your body’s fuel, and when you put high-quality, healthy foods in it, your immune system improves. Eating a well-balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean proteins and healthy fats provides you with the essential nutrients you need to get and stay healthy. Be sure to speak to your doctor before starting any sort of diet plan.

4. Get enough exercise.
Exercise helps us maintain a healthy weight, improves our strength, keeps us limber and also boosts immune health. It’s recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week (that translates to about 30 minutes per day). If you aren’t a big exerciser already, start small. Even a nightly walk around the neighborhood will have you feeling stronger and healthier in no time.

5. Reduce your stress.
Studies have shown that chronic stress can reduce your immune health and make you more likely to get sick. Doing things that are good for your health (like exercising and eating right) can go a long way towards reducing stress, but you should also find time for relaxation. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, speak to your doctor to see if medications might help.

6. Stay connected.
Social isolation doesn’t just leave us lonely. It also leaves us less healthy. Even though we’re still social distancing, it’s important to reach out and find ways to connect with those we love. Fortunately, with the rise of video technology it’s easier than ever to stay in touch.

7. Get a good night’s sleep.
Sleep is like your body’s reset button. Getting a good night’s sleep reduces your risk of a variety of chronic conditions and diseases like type 2 diabetes, depression and obesity. Practice good sleep hygiene by limiting screen time at night, avoiding caffeine or stimulants and keeping to a regular sleep schedule. And take the TV out of the bedroom – nothing’s worse for your sleep health.

8. Stay hydrated.
Dehydration is a problem for many older adults because we can lose our ability to sense thirst as we age. Getting enough water helps your body absorb the good stuff (minerals and nutrients) and flush out the bad stuff (like toxins, body waste, etc.). Drink the equivalent of at least 8-9 glasses of water per day. Carry a water bottle with you or mix it up with foods that have high water content like soups or fruits like watermelon.

9. Keep alcohol in moderation.
Drinking too much alcohol can weaken your immune system and make you more vulnerable to infections. If you’re a regular drinker, consider cutting back or eliminating the amount you drink. Talk to your doctor if you find you have difficulties with drinking moderately.

10. Quit smoking.
There is nothing good about smoking. It harms every aspect of your body and increases your risk of many, many diseases. If you or a loved one smoke, quit as soon as possible. (And of course, if you don’t smoke, don’t start.)

 

Exceptional Care & Fulfilling Lifestyle

Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham provides memory care assisted living that is comfortable, positive, safe and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity and individual preferences. Our memory care professionals receive specialized and ongoing training designed to help residents maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – enriching the lives of our residents every day.

 

Inspiring Programs for All Stages

No matter what level of care or service is needed, residents and families can rest assured that our care and life enrichment programs address the various stages of memory decline, allowing residents the opportunity to age in place.

 

Dedicated Memory Care

At Bridges® by EPOCH at Hingham, our services are designed to recognize and adapt to the unique challenges and individuality of each resident, while ensuring comfort and safety. We believe in a full-service approach to care and provide a high level of personalized attention for residents in various stages of memory loss.

 

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