According to the CDC, 8 out of 10 COVID-19 deaths reported in the US are of people who are 65 years old or more. Clearly, the risk of getting infected by the novel coronavirus is more for seniors. The severity of illness also increases among seniors. They may need hospitalization or a ventilator to survive in case they get infected. So, if you are a senior or a caregiver to a senior, you must look for ways to boost the immune system. Remember, strengthening the immune system may also help you to fight seasonal flu and other health complications. Here are the top immune system booster tips for seniors that you might find useful. Let’s have a look.
Go for vaccination
The immune system weakens with aging. So, get the vaccination to safeguard yourself from seasonal flu and other infections. Talk to your primary healthcare provider or your family doctor to know what are the vaccinations that you should go for as per your age group.
Improve your food habits
Start making food choices that are healthier than before to mitigate your risk of getting infected. Give preference to home-cooked food to have a well-balanced diet. If this is not possible, go for packaged or canned food items that have plenty of vitamins, minerals, and protein to have a nutrient-rich diet. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables if you are struggling in preparing meals. Also, remember to reduce your intake of sugar and processed food.
Watch your water intake
Most of the seniors often do not pay any attention to their water intake and end up getting dehydrated. However, staying hydrated is significant for maintaining a strong immune system. This is true not only for seniors but for people of all age groups. You can also take the help of gadgets such as smart hydration reminder devices, hydra-alert watch, or fruit infuser water bottle to stay hydrated round the clock.
Try to have adequate sleep
There is an intricate link between lack of sleep and our vulnerability to infection. You may have surely noticed how you feel sluggish when you don’t get enough sleep. Studies have revealed that the function of our immune system is suppressed when we experience sleep deprivation.
Engage in activities
For many seniors, loneliness and lack of physical activity are quite stressful. So, if you are a senior, try to keep yourself engaged in activities that you love to stay active and reduce stress. Remember, stress can wreak havoc on your immune system if you do not take preventive action. As you need to stay indoors as much as possible, do activities like meditation, painting, gardening, swimming, brisk walking, and so on.
Apart from the above immune system booster tips for seniors, it is vital to exercise regularly and maintaining hand hygiene to safeguard yourself from COVID-19. Do not get in touch with someone who is sick and wear a face mask if you are going out for some work. Lastly, monitor your health and make sure to have all the prescribed medicines on time to stay in good health during this raging pandemic.