With age, the immune system weakens. As a result, seniors often experience more frequent occurrences of colds, flu, and pneumonia than the average healthy adult. If you provide care for a senior loved one, suggest some of these tips to naturally boost his or her immune system and prevent illness.
Follow a Healthy Diet
The best diet for optimum health is one that’s low in saturated fat and includes plenty of fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, and lean protein. Diets rich in antioxidants, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids prevent a myriad of diseases, cancers, and other age-related health concerns.
A home caregiver can help your loved one prepare nutritious meals. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Lakewood Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Eat Plenty of Garlic & Onions
Garlic and onions are nutritional powerhouses, and scientists have been studying their bacteria-fighting properties for several years. Bumping up their daily intake of these healthy foods can support seniors’ immune systems and general health. Add garlic and onions to salads, sautéed veggies, soups, or sauces. When garlic is chewed, crushed, or chopped, it forms a compound known as allicin, which has been found to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. If your loved one doesn’t like the flavor, try a garlic supplement instead. A 2001 study published in Advances in Therapy found participants who took a daily garlic supplement had a 63 percent reduction in colds compared to those who took a placebo.
Spice Things Up with Ginger
Your parent should also try to eat ginger regularly, especially during cold and flu season. Ginger is both an antioxidant and a natural antibiotic that kills many viruses. You can make fresh ginger root tea or include ginger in your loved one’s meals to add an extra bit of flavor. Other immunity-enhancing items to add to your loved one’s diet include horseradish, cayenne pepper, habanero peppers, and apple cider vinegar.
Increase Exercise
Exercise is good for the body at any age. There are many benefits of exercise for seniors in particular, like increased bone density, but getting a daily dose of moderate exercise can also keep the body’s immune system humming along at peak efficiency.
A professional caregiver can help your loved one exercise at home in safety and comfort. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Stop Bacteria
Take a few extra measures to destroy bacteria. Make sure your loved one washes his or her hands and face with mild antibacterial soap, keeps hand sanitizer handy for when washing isn’t an option, and uses an antibacterial cleaner regularly around the home on kitchen and bathroom surfaces as well as other surfaces he or she regularly comes into contact with.
Take a Multivitamin/Mineral Supplement
Despite your loved one’s best efforts to get proper nutrition through his or her diet, there are almost always going to be some gaps in nutritional intake. Getting all the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a healthy mind and body is as easy as taking a daily vitamin/mineral supplement. Check with your loved one’s physician before starting any new supplements. Boosting the immune system helps seniors prevent illnesses, such as the flu and pneumonia, that can lead to more significant health issues.
One of the best ways to remain healthy in the golden years is to receive assistance from a trusted in-home caregiver. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Lakewood Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. To schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our friendly Care Managers, call (303) 987-5992 today.