Boosting Your Aging Loved Ones Immune System: Ways you Can Help

A strong immune system is vital for everyone, but the more we age, the more important it becomes. Our immune system can be strengthened with some specific activities and changes that have been proven to increase resistance.

When your loved one’s immune systems are functioning correctly, germs can’t make them sick and keep them in uncomfortable positions for a long time. In addition, a strong immune system means your loved one can skip the doctor’s appointment, which usually requires an antibiotic or other pharmaceutical drugs that might be harmful in long-term use.

As someone who looks after the well-being of your loved one, you need to help your loved ones maintain a healthy immune system. And to identify the appropriate ways, it is essential to take note of the causes that lead to a weak immune system in seniors.

Causes of Weak Immune System In Seniors

Old age is one primary cause of the weakening immune system. It is generally attributed to the fact that our bodies are less able to produce new immune cells as we age. However, some other factors lead to a weak immune system- this includes:

1. Unhealthy Diet

2. Inappropriate Medications

3. Chronic Stress

4. Lack Of Quality Sleep

5. Smoking

6. Lack of Physical Exercise

7. Industrial Pollution 

These factors can lead your senior loved ones to show signs and symptoms that hamper their quality of life. Some of these are your loved ones will experience general weakness, fever, increased risk of infection, and longer recovery time from colds and other flu symptoms, especially during cold seasons.

Boosting your loved one’s immune system is the key to stay healthy. It provides resistance to disease by defending the body against germs and other harmful substances. And to do that, you need to take some essential steps to help your loved ones achieved strong Immunity. The following are guides you can follow to help your loved one strengthen their Immune System.

Ways You Can Do To Help Your Elderly Loved One Boost their Immune System

1.Proper Nutrition and Diet

Your elderly loved ones must consume the proper nutrition to allow their bodies to stay youthful and healthy. So they should eat a diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, which helps provide resistance to disease by defending their body against germs and other harmful substances. Also, have your loved one avoid eating high cholesterol foods as this can lead to heart disease and blood vessel blockage where the blood doesn’t flow normally to other parts of the body. A well-balanced diet is recommended for someone who wants to keep their immune system boosted constantly.

2.Exercise

It is an excellent way to boost your loved one’s immune system. Exercise can strengthen the immune system by increasing blood circulation, strengthening bones and muscles, alleviating stress and anxiety, and adding variety to your life which will help lower the risks of illness. So encourage your elderly loved one to go for an aerobic exercise that will improve their breathing and heart functions. In addition, you can enroll them in swimming or walking classes that will help their cardiovascular health.

3.Quality Sleep

To ensure that your loved ones can stay healthy and boost their immune system, they need to get quality sleep. Lack of rest and interrupted sleep can weaken the immune system making your loved one more vulnerable to illness. In addition, the body’s natural defense mechanisms are weakened when we don’t have enough rest or proper sleep every night. So ensure that you take care of your loved one’s sleep schedule by allowing them to get a good night’s sleep every day.

4. Keep Your Loved Ones Stay Hydrated

It is vital to make sure that your loved ones stay hydrated. Lack of sufficient water in the body can lead to dehydration, making your loved ones more prone to illness. By staying hydrated, you help protect your loved ones from dehydration and boost their immune system at the same time. Encourage your aging parent to drink at least eight glasses of water every day to stay hydrated.

5. Keep Stress At A Low Level

One major cause of many illnesses in our elderly loved ones is stress and anxiety. It increases blood pressure that increases the risk of heart disease, changes in sleep patterns that will lead to a lack of quality sleep and depletes the immune system making them more vulnerable to illnesses and disease. So keep your loved ones’ stress level at a minimum.

6. Avoid Industrial Pollution

Pollution is one major cause of common illnesses such as colds, flu, and other respiratory problems among the elderly. In addition, air pollution is the most common source of air-borne diseases, which can affect your loved ones’ immune system. So avoid places that are exposed to industrial pollution, particularly while your loved one is suffering from any respiratory problem. Such places include construction sites, manufacturing plants, and other machinery-heavy places.

7. Get them A Flu Shots

The flu shot is an efficient way to boost your loved one’s immune system. By getting them the flu shots regularly, you help prevent them from catching the flu and other common illnesses caused by the flu virus. So make sure that you regularly get your loved ones flu shots to ensure they stay healthy all year round.

8. Avoid Inappropriate Medications

Some medications that your elder loved ones take can weaken their immune system and make them more vulnerable to illness. So it is vital to get them checked by the doctor and ensure that they are not taking any inappropriate medications. Such medication can include blood pressure drugs, anti-inflammatory medications as well as some common allergies. 

9. Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and supplements are essential for your loved ones who want to boost their immune system. However, you must get a consultation from your loved one’s physician first before administering any supplements or vitamins to them. Also, consult with their physician to make sure the supplement or vitamins you’re giving them won’t interfere with the medications they’re taking as it can increase their illness risk further. However, once approved by your loved ones’ physician, there are some vitamins and supplements that can boost their immune systems, such as vitamin C, echinacea, garlic extracts, and probiotics, among others.

10. Get Proper Medical Care

Lastly, you should ensure that your loved ones visit their doctor regularly for a check-up and help boost their immune system by ensuring they don’t have any infections or diseases.

Now you have the best ways to help your elderly loved ones strengthen their immune system. By following these ways, you can prevent many illnesses and diseases that will ultimately lead to a more robust immune system for your loved ones. So don’t take it for granted and ensure that you regularly check up on them, pay attention to what they eat, give them proper rest, and exercise regularly. These will go a long way to ensure that they stay healthy at all times.

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