Strengthening Immunity and Health: A Guide for Senior Living Residents

Maintaining a robust, resilient immune system should be a top priority for older people. According to the National Council on Aging, even a minor cold can be dangerous for seniors, as older people's immune systems tend to be weaker than their younger peers.

Senior resident communities can empower older adults and prevent the spread of illnesses and viruses by taking a few proactive steps to mitigate transmission and bolster immunity. Even simple steps, like ensuring people have access to flu shots and are fed a healthy, balanced diet, can reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses.

Those who live in senior living centers can further protect their health and well-being by making common-sense behavior choices.

Understanding the Risk

Most older people have had their fair share of colds, viruses, and other infectious diseases. While exposure to illnesses in the past can strengthen the immune system, older people are more vulnerable to diseases. As such, those living in senior living centers must understand the challenges they may face.

Today, many scientists believe that the risk of large-scale pandemics is increasing. This worrying trend is largely due to climate change, as many diseases thrive in warmer weather. Similarly, bugs and other animals that carry disease can live longer into the year due to mild temperatures in late fall and winter. Some scientists also worry that increased Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) will further enhance the risk of illnesses spreading, as bacteria are mutating to overcome the impact of traditional drugs.

Fortunately, those living in senior living centers may be insulated against the risk of communicable diseases. This is because many senior residents are more aware of the dangers that colds and flu present and could be less likely to attend social gatherings than the rest of the population. Additionally, senior living centers are regularly cleaned by caring professionals who are always on the lookout for signs of a flu breakout.

Hygiene and Cleaning

Keeping living spaces properly cleaned should be a top priority for those who run senior living homes. Creating a healthy, clean living environment reduces the risk of illnesses spreading and can improve awareness of the threat that colds and flu present to older people. Likewise, residents can take action to create a healthy, clean home environment by:

• Regularly changing AC filters;
• Cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming regularly to improve air quality;
• Investing in air purifiers;
• Asking for help with cleaning tasks that are too difficult.

Keeping up with a home-cleaning schedule can't eliminate the risk of picking up a bug, but it will reduce the risk of exposure. This is crucial to efforts to protect older people from illness and will aid efforts to boost immunity across the senior living center.

Healthy Habits

Following a healthy, balanced diet is important for a host of reasons. Older people need a range of nutrients to feel energized and will be far more upbeat and active when they are supported by a diet rich in lean proteins, healthy grains, and fresh produce. Eating the right blend of foods can reduce the risk of illness, too. Immunity-boosting dietary choices include:

• Eating the Rainbow: A colorful plate of fresh produce indicates an immune-boosting meal. Colorful vegetables like carrots have plenty of beta-carotene, while foods like broccoli are high in vitamin C.
• Probiotics: Foods like garlic, onion, asparagus, and bananas improve gut health and help people stay healthy in later life. They increase “good” bacteria in the gut and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
• Proteins: Offering a wide range of proteins is the best way to ensure everyone gets their fill of essential nutrients. Fish and shellfish are high in zinc, too, while vitamin D is prevalent in salmon, sardines, meat, and egg yolks.

Offering colorful plates with plenty of protein is the best way to boost residents' immunity. People who eat a wide range of fresh produce and probiotics should also experience a mental health boost, as eating healthy foods that are high in protein can boost well-being.

Those who eat a healthy, balanced diet are also more likely to engage in exercise. This is particularly important for elderly people who have accidentally reduced their caloric intake. By putting together healthier, tastier meals, older people may eat more and, therefore, have the energy to exercise. This energy can be transformative for older people who have been underfed and need a caloric boost in order to rediscover their energy.

Conclusion

Strengthening immunity is all about making common sense, healthy decisions. Even simple strategies, like disinfecting surfaces daily during a cold outbreak, can cut down transmissions and reduce the risk of falling ill. Those living in senior residences can further improve their health and immunity by eating a range of fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy grains.