There is a famous saying, “Health is wealth, and immunity is the key to that locker.”
As ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala said in one of the discussions with a publication, health was his worst investment, and he encouraged everyone to invest the most in it. At age 62, following a cardiac arrest, he turned away from us from time to eternity.
The famous businessman Anand Mahindra tweeted about Rakesh Jhunhunwala, mentioning, “At the last stage of his life, Rakesh gave the most valuable and profitable investment advice ever. It’s advice that is worth billions, and the best part is, it requires investing your time, not your money.”
Immunity is our body’s defense system, and it tends to get weaker with age. Thus, we need to understand the advantages of strong immunity, especially boosting older adults’ immunity.
There are many advantages to having a strong immune system as a senior citizen. Some of these advantages include:
- Reduced risk of developing infections: A strong immune system helps to fight off infections and diseases, which can reduce the risk of developing an infection.
- Reduced risk of developing cancer: A strong immune system helps fight off cancer cells, reducing the risk of developing cancer.
- Improved quality of life: A strong immune system can improve the overall quality of life by reducing the severity and frequency of illnesses.
- Increased lifespan: A strong immune system has been linked to a longer lifespan.
There are many things that senior citizens can do to boost their immune systems. Some simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
The five golden rules for boosting older adults’ immunity are as follows:
- Eat a healthy diet.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help the immune system function correctly. Senior citizens should also consume plenty of fluids, including water, juice, and soup. Consulting a dietician leads to more customized and result-oriented diet charts. For better results, rather than preparing native food habits, it’s advisable to prepare a list of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cuisines and share it with your dietician.
- Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise can help boost the immune system by increasing circulation and relieving stress. For senior citizens with limited mobility, it’s better to take advantage of physiotherapy. The coaches or trainers you follow need to be certified and experienced in handling senior citizens. Exercise releases endorphins popularly termed as happy hormones. The thumb rule is “Motion is meditation”
- Get enough sleep.
Sleep is important for the immune system to function properly. Senior citizens should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Insomnia is common among senior citizens.
Try sleeping at the same time regardless of weekends or travel; developing a bedtime routine as reading books helps.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
Drinking alcohol in moderation can actually help improve the immune system. However, senior citizens should limit their intake to no more than two drinks per day.
- Quit smoking.
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your immune system. If you are a smoker, quitting is the best thing that you can do for your health.
Health is wealth, but the key to health is stronger immunity…