Leading a healthy life is important at any age. Still, this should be their priority for adults since they have compromised immune systems, making them vulnerable to simple conditions like flu or the common cold or secondary infections like sinus infection or pneumonia. A healthy lifestyle is also vital to the elderly with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and respiratory illnesses requiring BLS CPR certification.
But, living a healthy life can protect you or help you manage these chronic diseases and secondary infections. Below are some tips to help you live a happy, active, and longer life.
Stay active
Exercise and physical fitness are essential for all ages, but it is more important for adults because it is an immune system booster. Doing 20 to 30 minutes daily of moderate-intensity exercise will boost your immune system, help you maintain a healthy weight, and prevent chronic diseases. It can also increase your energy, sleep, and memory and reduce depression.
You can try a less strenuous exercise like biking or walking and incorporate it with low-intensity aerobics.
Eat healthy diet
Seniors should focus on diets that help boost their immune systems and protect them against harmful pathogens like vegetables, lean meats, and fruits. Because fruits and vegetables are antioxidants, they’ll protect your tissues from damage.
You should avoid or limit foods that can trigger inflammation of the body, like fatty and sugary foods, as they lower the immune system.
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Regularly visit your healthcare provider.
As you age, it is important to maintain regular visits to your doctor and have regular health screenings. Due to the advancement in health, most seniors remain active for a long, and they engage in sexual activities. Therefore, it is important to chat with your doctor and discuss STDs and STD testing to ensure you are safe from these common infections.
Apart from STDs, your health can perform overall body screening and advice where necessary.
Get quality sleep
Good sleep is vital for all ages as it helps reduce stress and allows the body to repair itself. But for seniors, it is more than this, as sleep help improve their memory and concentration and strengthen their weakened immune system.
It is, therefore, vital to have a good sleep of about nine hours a night.
Take supplements
Because of the compromised immune system, seniors need things that can boost their immune system and help fight infections. And besides food, exercise, and good sleep, supplements can also be handy for immune boosting.
But consult your doctor before you start using these supplements.
Learn stress management techniques
Chronic stress can trigger the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can alter your body functions, lowering your immune system. It is, therefore, important to learn how to manage stress.
You can manage stress by getting quality sleep and engaging in physical activities.
Conclusion
As a senior, it is vital to stay healthy to increase your longevity and ensure you are living your last moments happily and actively.
