A doctor checks a senior's blood pressure.

Immunity Booster Tips For Seniors In Assisted Living Facilities

Our immune system is the first line of defense of our body against infections and it can be weakened by the aging process. Elderly adults are at an escalated danger of developing complications from infections. Therefore, it is important to take steps to strengthen the immune system of seniors to avoid the common cold and other diseases. Some of how the immunity of older adults in the senior care facilities can be boosted are shared below.

Have Up To Date Vaccinations  

Vaccinations can help protect against many serious diseases like tetanus, pertussis, and pneumonia. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all the regular vaccinations of residents in assisted living facilities are up to date and whether there are any other vaccine recommendations for them. For instance, the pneumonia vaccine is recommended for seniors above the age of 65.

Ensure Balanced Diet 

Having a healthy diet that is rich in essential nutrients can help ensure a strong immune system. Moreover, it is important to avoid all types of foods that are too sugary. This is because sugar can limit immune cells that can fight against bacteria. Residents in senior care homes should eat lots of vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and other essential minerals and vitamins. Moreover, it is important to include a good source of protein like milk, lean meats, or yogurt with every meal.

Ensure Enough Sleep 

Not having enough sleep can hinder the production of cytokines in the body. These are the proteins that target inflammation and infection. Not only does a lack of good quality sleep hinder the proper working of the immune system, but it can leave the person sluggish and inactive. Hence, the older adults in the senior care homes must compulsorily get a good night’s sleep.

Control Stress 

Avoiding stress in life is impossible. However, it is important to find positive activities and outlets that can help seniors to minimize stress and thereby benefit from a strong immune system. This is because stress can wreak havoc on the immune system of the body, resulting in the release of a stress hormone called a corticosteroid. This hormone can muzzle the immune system by lessening the number of lymphocytes or white blood cells that have a significant part to play in building immunity. Therefore it is vital to control stress in seniors to improve immunity levels.  

 

Contact Oakey Assisted Living & Memory Care to learn more about our facility and how we keep our residents happy and healthy.