Having a strong immune system is extremely important for seniors, especially with the flu season around the corner. Luckily, older adults can easily give their immunity a natural boost. Home Care Philadelphia professionals share 4 tips your elderly can integrate into his or her daily routine to maintain a healthy immune system.
1. Exercise
Regular physical activity promotes a strong immune system and wards off infection. Your loved one doesn’t necessarily need to perform vigorous exercises. Yoga, walking, and biking are all excellent for increasing blood circulation, keeping the heart healthy, reducing stress, and releasing endorphins.
2. Regulate Sleep
Many seniors have difficulty sleeping. However, getting enough rest is essential for keeping the immune system healthy. Exposing the body to sunlight helps regulate the body’s melatonin, enhancing the sleep cycle as a result. Encourage your loved one to go out in the sun for an hour or two each day, cut down on nicotine and caffeine, and turn off the TV an hour before bed to get a good night’s sleep.
3. Meditate
Meditation reduces stress, boosts antibodies, and strengthens immunity. The immune system’s health is linked to thoughts in many ways. When negative thoughts and stress take over, the immune system becomes compromised. Learning to meditate and practicing regularly can provide your loved one with a happier life and better immune functioning.
4. Consume Immunity-Boosting Foods
Your loved one should try to eat ginger regularly, especially during cold and flu season. Ginger is not only antioxidant and antimicrobial, but it is also a natural antibiotic that kills many viruses. Make fresh ginger root tea or add ginger to your loved one’s meals whenever possible. Other immunity-boosting foods you can easily include in your loved one’s diet include garlic, horseradish, cayenne pepper, onions, habanero peppers, and apple cider vinegar. Use them at the first signs of sickness and serve them raw.
For additional tips to help your loved one maintain a healthy immune system, reach out to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of live-in and respite care Philadelphia, PA, families trust, and our caregivers can assist with exercise, cook nutritious meals, and help with a wide array of important everyday tasks. For more information on our senior care services and to request a no-obligation consultation with one of our knowledgeable Care Managers, give us a call at (215) 645-4663 today.