How to Improve Immune Systems in the Elderly - Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce

Whether you are young or old, COVID-19 can burden us all in many ways. It can happen to anyone at any time, and it is essential to understand different things that can help keep COVID-19 out of your system.

It is so important to keep our senior population’s immune systems healthy because they are most vulnerable to diseases. Older adult’s immune systems tend to be compromised on a normal day, which allows a virus like COVID-19 to enter the body and create more damage than a younger immune system would, which is why I am here to tell you different ways to boost your immune system and keep yourself going each day.

Let us start simple; eating fruits and vegetables with high vitamin C and E is an easy way to boost your immune system. For example citrus fruits, strawberries, dark leafy greens are all good things to eat. You should also reduce the intake of sugar and fats and processed food. Instead, try to incorporate protein, carbohydrates, and pure fats in your diet. Staying physically active is an important one to boot your immune system. It allows you to keep your body healthy enough to fight off infection or a virus. Walking, chair workouts, and stretching are the best form of exercise for seniors. Now I know times are hard right now, and you cannot do many things that you use to do, so you are beginning to feel stressed out about what is going on. Well, being stressed out can lower your immune system and make you more susceptible to an infection or virus. Completing activities like reading, puzzles, and Meditation can all help to increase your immune system and make yourself feel better.

Now one thing that everyone loves is to sleep; having a good night’s sleep is one of the best things for the immune system. “Sleeping well helps the body respond better to inflammation and stress.” (victorianseniorliving.com) the next idea that could help your immune system is water. “Water helps carry oxygen to your body cells, which results in properly functioning systems. It also works in removing toxins from the body.”(Culligan.com) so it is essential to drink more water each day so it can help your immune system. Now according to (familydoctor.org), “handwashing remains the number one tip for preventing the spread of COVID-19 its common sense, and it works. However, it must be done properly and with soup and water.” So if you do not do anything else, make sure you wash your hands because it is vital. The last thing that I want to talk about is positive thinking. I understand that we are in rough times right now, and not being able to do your normal or see family members can genuinely hurt in many ways. Researchers have found that “your mind can have a powerful effect on your body. Immunity is one area where your thoughts and attitude can have a particularly powerful influence.” (verywellmind.com) as in saying that, try to release negative emotions because it can weaken your immune system. Try to think about happy things and ways to make yourself feel better.

These are all different ways to boost your immune system and make yourself feel better in many ways. I hope you use these ideas and continue to be a better you each day.

Article Written by Kendall X. Hicks, Wellness Coordinator for The Community at Sunset Wood

For the full article with references please visit https://www.sunsetwood.org/news/2020/5/8/how-to-improve-immune-systems-in-the-elderly