Winter Immune System Boosting Tips For Older Adults

The approach of winter holds the promise of sparkling snowfalls, hoarfrost-laced branches, and cozy snuggles by the fire. But for older adults, the winter months can often be a time when physical and mental health are more precarious.

Colder temperatures combined with more time indoors can exacerbate the spread of colds and flu for people of all ages. But the risks are especially present for seniors, who can be particularly susceptible to contagious illnesses. Cold weather can also negatively impact common, pre-existing conditions like arthritis and respiratory issues. Plus, it often means less socializing and more time spent at home–alone.

Maintaining a healthy immune system is a crucial part of helping seniors thrive throughout the winter season. And the great news is that many immune system boosters don’t require any special supplements or equipment at all; they’re just good common sense with a little bit of awareness and planning thrown in.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of these simple, go-to strategies that can help the older adult(s) in your life (not to mention you, yourself) maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit as temperatures plummet this winter.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water benefits everything from brain function to digestion to energy level. It’s also great for the immune system. The amount of water you should drink per day depends on multiple factors, but a good rule of thumb is approximately 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women.

Encourage the seniors in your life to keep a water bottle handy this winter. If they’re not keen on plain water, try ice water or carbonated water. Or, why not bring them a selection of herbal teas and other healthy beverage options like fresh juices and smoothies?

If you really want to get crafty, make a custom mug or water bottle with photos of loved ones. That’s sure to be one fun way to help put a positive spin on staying hydrated!

Sunbathe

In the winter, there are less hours of daylight and also fewer opportunities for getting outdoors. But sunlight is a major source of Vitamin D, which is important for a healthy immune system. So, how can you help the seniors in your life compensate?

Vitamin D supplements are one option, of course (consult a doctor before starting any supplements). But there are also many creative ways to increase exposure to winter sunlight that don’t involve a bottle of vitamins from the drugstore.

Depending on their level of mobility, many seniors do enjoy getting outdoors in the winter. Be sure they’re dressed warmly from head to toe, and consider stability aids like walking poles or ice grips on the bottom of their shoes to mitigate the risks of slipping. Choose well-cleared paths and be picky about waiting for clear winter days without severe wind chill.

Even if getting outdoors regularly seems a bit too overwhelming, you can still encourage seniors in your life to sit near a sunny window or under a skylight on a regular basis. Consider helping them to rearrange furniture to maximize exposure to sunlight.

Keep Moving

No need to run a marathon, but staying physically active is key to boosting the immune system. For seniors, low-impact exercises are perfect in the winter. If they can access a pool, swimming is a great option. But also walking (indoors or outdoors), yoga, gentle stretching, or senior-friendly video workouts can all provide enough exercise to have a healthy impact.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Like people of all ages, seniors benefit hugely from a nutritious and varied diet. Winter can be the perfect time to cook meals together and try out new recipes and ingredients. Encourage the seniors in your life to eat a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating every colour in the rainbow each day is a fun way to increase your intake of natural vitamins and minerals.

Stay Calm, Rested, and Connected

Stress, isolation, and exhaustion are all terrible for the immune system. Help seniors combat such issues this winter with clearly thought-out strategies. Meditation or relaxation practices, regular social visits (even phone or video chats), and a healthy sleep routine are all key elements in maintaining a rich and meaningful routine. Talk with the seniors you know about how you can best support their mental health, and don’t hesitate to check in with them regularly.

Follow Doctor’s Orders

Of course, consulting with a doctor is always important before encouraging a senior to make any major changes to their lifestyle, diet, or supplements/medications. But with a green light from their healthcare provider, all of the options outlined in this post are on the table!

If you’re searching for caregiver agencies in Winnipeg, consider Right At Home Winnipeg. Our supportive, compassionate, and knowledgeable team of professionals can provide the extra care required to keep your loved one’s immune system in tip-top shape all winter long.

Why Right at Home?

• Over 20 years of experience. Right at Home has been providing award winning customized senior care and home care for over 20 years.
• YOUR Caregivers are all part of YOUR Care Team. This means that there is no revolving door of Personal Support Workers and Nurses. With the help of your Care Planner, you choose and get to know them. This leads to an level of care for your loved one that is unsurpassed in our industry.
• Working with government support. Your Care Planner will work to help you find the government supports you are eligible for (if you would like them) and then work to find a solution for the care needs that go above what government and family can do. We will also work around the government care plan so that we are enhancing it.

We help in home, wherever home is to you.

Our Caregivers are always out in the community visiting homes, Retirement Residences, Long Term Care (LTC), hospices and hospitals.