With flu season starting and the coronavirus still out there, it’s more important than ever that family caregivers look for ways to keep their aging relatives healthy. One way to do that is to help them take steps to improve their immune system. The healthier the immune system is, the more able it will be to fight off viruses and bacterial infections. Below are some ways that older adults can boost their immune systems.
Keep Vaccines Up to Date
Talk to your older family member’s doctor about which vaccines they may need. One important vaccine that seniors need each year is the flu shot. The flu shot is an annual vaccine because it is reformulated each year to protect against the flu viruses scientists believe will be the most common that year.
When you use senior care to assist your aging relative, you can be certain they will have transportation to the place where they receive their flu shot. Schedule the older adult’s vaccine for a time when the senior care provider is with them and the provider will drive them to the clinic and return them back home.
Increase Physical Activity
When people exercise, they increase blood flow and help immune cells to circulate through the body. In fact, according to the director of Appalachian State University’s Human Performance Lab, David Nieman, immune cells continue to move through the body for up to three hours after exercising. Seniors should try to exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
There are all kinds of things older adults can do to increase physical activity safely. Walking is a great form of exercise since it is safe for nearly everyone. To make it even safer for your aging relative, ask their senior care provider to go for walks with them. The senior care provider can offer physical support to prevent falls, companionship to make the walk more fun, and help the older adult to feel safer knowing that someone is along to help them should they need it.
Get Out of the House Once in a While
Spending some time outside in the fresh air and sunshine is good for improving the immune system because sunshine helps the body to produce vitamin D, a nutrient that is important to immune health. In addition to soaking up some sun, it’s a good idea for older adults to get out of the house and see other people regularly. Social interaction helps to reduce inflammation in the body and improves mood.
Senior care providers can help your older family member to go outside for a while when the weather is pleasant. They can set up a place for them to sit outside and keep them company. In addition, a senior care provider can take the older adult to see friends or attend social events.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Senior Care in Greer, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/flu/boost-immune-system-over-65
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
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