An immune system is a complex group of bodily processes that help protect us from diseases. It does this by detecting threats that enter our bodies (such as viruses) and activating the relevant bodily defense mechanisms to combat these diseases. Our immune systems may weaken as we age, so it is essential to give it as much help as we can. The best way to improving our immune systems is to focus on living a healthy lifestyle, so here are some steps that you or your loved ones can take to give your body the boost it needs.
Socialize
Socializing is extremely important, we are social animals after all, and that does not change when we get older. Staying social and meeting up with our friends to have a chat, do things together, or even volunteer is a great way to get off our feet and avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Joining clubs is a great way to socialize and is a fantastic way to de-stress.
At Discovery Village At Dominion, we pride ourselves on creating an exciting array of activities for our residents to participate in. There is a wide spectrum of senior-friendly activities ranging from Zumba for the ultra-active, to simpler sit-down games like dominoes. We also have an indoor and outdoor pool!
Get Enough Sleep
When we don’t get enough sleep, we experience what is known as sleep deprivation. People who experience sleep deprivation also produce lower antibodies, which our bodies create to fight off diseases, and hence have a lower immune response than people who do get enough sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for adults 60 years and above ranges from 7 to 9 hours every night, so be sure to clock in that beauty sleep!
Have a Balanced Diet
As we grow older, it can sometimes be a bit harder to prepare balanced, nutritious meals for ourselves. This may be because it’s sometimes too tiring to head to the shops to pick up something healthy, or to spend all that time cooking and washing up after. Yet, it’s still immensely important that we take the time to eat a balanced diet to provide our bodies with the energy, nutrients, and vitamins we need to support our immune systems.
Also, avoid activities that may be detrimental to our bodies. If possible, reduce or even stop smoking. Whilst drinking is often an important social activity, try to drink only in moderation.
Exercise
Don’t just be strong on the inside, be strong on the outside too! Exercising reduces blood pressure, helps us maintain an ideal weight, and contributes to a healthy immune system. Improving our cardiovascular health can also help to improve sleep and to strengthen our bodies to do the things we love.
Minimize Stress
How we react to stress depends a lot on individuals. It is therefore important to identify what may trigger it and to find appropriate methods to cope with it. Long-term stress may take a toll on our immune systems and weaken them, in addition to increasing the likelihood of other medical conditions like heart disease or high blood pressure.
It is beneficial to have a helping hand to deal with stress. Find out how our exclusive senior living programs help you deal with life’s stressors and let you focus on what you want to be doing most.
