How Seniors Can Stay Healthy

No matter what your age, it is important to take care of your body and prevent illness. But if you’re 65 or older, something as simple as the flu or common cold can progress and lead to complications. This includes secondary infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, an ear infection, or a sinus infection. If you have a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes, a respiratory illness can make these even worse. Because of this, it’s important to make the right choices to strengthen your immune system and reduce the likelihood of illness. Follow these tips to stay healthy all the time.

Get Active

Physical activity boosts your immune system. The more you move, the more your body is able to fight inflammation and infections. The activity you take part in doesn’t have to be strenuous. Low impact exercises are just as effective. 

See if your retirement home offers any classes, or if you live independently, try walking, cycling, swimming, or low-impact aerobics. If you can, engage in moderate-intensity exercise for about 20 to 30 minutes a day to reach the recommended total of 150 minutes a week.

Strengthen your muscles by lifting weights or doing yoga. Modify your exercise routine to find out what feels best for you. 

Take Supplements As Necessary

Some supplements will help to support your immune system and keep it healthy. Before you take a supplement, always ask your doctor if it is safe to take, especially if you are already taking any other medication, prescription or otherwise. Some supplements that your doctor might suggest for you to take include calcium, methylated b complex, vitamin D, vitamin B6, or vitamin B12. Take supplements or multivitamins as instructed to boost your immune system. If you need more support with your health, it might be worth looking for a skilled nursing facility. 

Eat A Healthy Diet

Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean meats also give your immune system a boost and protect against harmful viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage and keep your body healthy. 

You should also limit your consumption of sugary and fatty foods, which can trigger inflammation in the body and lower your immune system. As well as this, you should try to limit your intake of alcohol. Ask your doctor about the safe limits of alcohol to drink per day or week. 

Wash Your Hands Frequently

Washing your hands on a regular basis is another excellent way to stay healthy all year round. Viruses can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours. It’s possible to get ill if you touch a virus-covered surface and contaminate your hands and then touch your face. 

Wash your hands with soapy water frequently, for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your nose, face, and mouth with your hands. 

You can also stay safe by using antibacterial hand sanitizer when you are unable to wash your hands. Disinfect surfaces around your home and workstation on a regular basis.

Senior citizens often end up suffering from injuries as their bodies start to frail. If you want to recover from a musculoskeletal injury please work with a qualified and experienced physiotherapist and chart your recovery plan.