Our immune systems act as our first line of defense against disease-causing germs. There are many factors that can compromise your immune system, and one of them is age. However, there are some simple ways you can boost your immune system in your golden years to reduce your chances of catching an infection. Read on to find out what they are!
Get Outdoors
Did you know that older adults who live on a farm were found to have stronger immune systems than their urban counterparts? Getting out and about can strengthen your immune system by providing you with Vitamin D. Even if it’s just sitting on your porch for an hour each day, the effects of getting a regular dose of sunshine and fresh air cannot be underestimated!
Sleep Well
Our bodies produce antibodies and white blood cells as we sleep. We all know that antibodies are vital for fighting off infections, which is why getting good sleep is so important. If you find it hard to fall asleep, one thing you can do is implement a bedtime routine to follow every night, where you put yourself into a relaxed mood. This includes cutting out screen time before bed and doing something that calms you, such as reading.
Stay Hydrated
As you age, you may find that you need to drink more often. Always listen to your body and ensure that you stay hydrated with your eight glasses a day. Not only does drinking water help your body to function normally, but it can also flush out toxins as well. If you are on a medication that causes side effects such as dry mouth, it’s even more important to remember to drink regularly!
Eat a Balanced Diet
As the saying goes, you are what you eat. In your golden years, it’s essential to pay attention to the nutritional balance of your meals. You can do so by limiting your consumption of red meat and adding more plant-based fibers to your diet. If you don’t have the time or energy to spend on meal planning and preparation, consider making the move to a retirement community where you can get three nutritionally balanced meals a day, freshly prepared for you!
Wash Your Hands Regularly
This is one thing we have all been doing more regularly as a result of the pandemic, but it’s especially important for older adults to do so due to their weakened immune systems. Anytime you touch a surface followed by your face, germs can enter through your nose or mouth, which could potentially lead to an infection.
Come to Our Retirement Community for Carefree Senior Living
Regardless of whether independent living or assisted living is more suitable for you, our retirement community is well-equipped to meet all your nutritional needs. Feel free to schedule a tour with us today, where we will treat you to a meal prepared by our in-house culinary team and you can taste the difference!
