How To Keep Your Body’s Defense System Strong After Age 50

The immune system is often described as the body’s soldiers, and rightly so. It is responsible for fighting off infections before they cause serious harm to the body.

As we age, they depreciate in their ability to fight diseases. Hence, it’s expected that an infection that a young person might fight off with ease, could be a serious health emergency for a person advanced in age - especially from 50 years and above.

Hence, it’s crucial to take steps to shore up your immune system, as you age. 

These tips, if followed, will help to strengthen your immune system. They include:

●      Eat healthily

The food you eat contributes a lot to your overall well being. Poor nutrition can cause diseases like diabetes, malnutrition, heart failure, and so on.

The immune system also benefits from healthy diets. A healthy diet that would be of benefit to older people, must include fruits and vegetables, protein, and a wide range of nutrients. After consulting your doctor, you could also include supplements, pre and post biotics, and so on.

●      Adequate rest and sleep

Rest and sleep do wonders to the body. As you age, the time allotted for quality rest and sleep becomes a necessity. 7-8 hours can be termed a good night's sleep. If for any reason your sleep rhythm is disrupted, contact your doctor.

●      Drop bad habits

This is not a time to smoke and drink like there’s no tomorrow. You should drop them altogether or keep consumption to a minimum.

●      Be active

The body produces more immune cells during exercise.

The most healthy seniors benefit largely from an active lifestyle and exercise. You can hit the gym once in a while, do little exercises like walking, and avoid staying in one place for an extended period without little movement.

●      Take your vaccines as at when due

As you age, your immune system reduces ineffectiveness. Although vaccines might be slightly less effective as you age, they still contribute a lot to protecting your immune system.

These vaccines include Flu shots, pneumonia, Tdap, and Zoster vaccine.

●      Lower exposure to stress

You must stay away from stress-inducing activities or influences. Do not only stay away from stress: find a way to manage it even when it comes. Engaging in fun activities such as vacations, dinners, and so on, could serve as stress moderators.

●      Keep your weight at healthy levels

If your weight is at unhealthy levels, you will be doing yourself more harm than good. Eat-in moderation, exercise, and regularly monitor your weight.

●      Reduce exposure to potential sources of infection

Wash your hands, stay away from dangerous chemicals and carcinogens, and protect yourself from others with communicable diseases. You'll go a long way toward maintaining your immune system strong and ready to combat outside intruders if you follow these eight actions - even as you get older.