5 Ways Older Adults Can Strengthen Their Immune Systems

Our immune systems protect us from a number of harmful substances, including cancer cells, toxins, and viruses. As we age, however, our immune systems are no longer able to function at peak capacity.

Help give your aging loved one’s immune system a beneficial boost through these five key preventative measures.

1. Vaccines

Flu and pneumonia vaccines offer an invaluable line of defense against illnesses that affect older seniors. Follow the vaccine guidelines as recommended by your primary care physician in order to protect your aging loved one from getting sick.

2. Exercise

The many benefits of exercise cannot be overstated, including the role physical activity plays in bolstering your immune system. Even a daily walk can stimulate the production of antibodies and white blood cells which ward off bacteria and viruses while fighting everything from cancer to heart disease.

Exercise can also help strengthen frail bodies and lower the occurrence of trips and falls. While a weak immune system can interfere with the healing process, incorporating weight-bearing exercises into senior routines can head off this troubling cycle.

3. Eat Well

You probably already encourage your loved one to eat right. Here’s another reason to support healthy dietary choices: a diet rich in plant-based foods and low in saturated fat is a simple way to support the immune system. 

Even minor nutritional deficiencies can alter a senior's immune response while modest quantities of micronutrients, such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, folic acid and vitamins A, C, E and B6, can pack powerful punch.

4. Don’t Smoke

Simply put: smoking weakens the immune system and puts your aging loved one at increased risk for multiple health threats.  In fact, some research indicates that smoking not only interferes with the body’s production of disease fighting antibodies, but may also cause the immune system to attack the lungs, leading to increased respiratory and pulmonary issues. 

5. Limit Alcohol Intake

While red wine consumption has been shown to have certain health benefits, moderation is key. A health care provider can let you know how much is too much when it comes to protecting your loved one’s immune health.

Key Takeaways

• While older adults experience a natural worsening of immune system functionality, there are ways to offset the decline.
• Vaccines play a critical role in keeping the immune system working its best.
• As with most other health issues, lifestyle choices -- including exercise and diet -- play a significant role in ongoing wellness.
• Your aging loved one's health care practitioner is an important partner in promoting optimal immune system health.