Categories: Health and Wellness for Seniors

Tips on How Seniors Can Avoid Getting Sick

As we age our immune system weakens, making it easier for us to pick-up harmful bacteria and viruses. This results in catching colds, flu and other sickness much faster compared to others. It can stem anywhere from friends, family and especially from grandchildren due to being exposed to other sick kids at school.

Getting sick is awful. How do you prevent yourself from getting sick?

Here is a list of important safety measures to take to stay healthy especially during the Flu Season:

1. Always wash your hands. This is proven to be the most effective way to avoid any disease causing bacteria. Be sure to wash your hands:

Before touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
Before and after preparing foods
Before you eat
After using the toilet (especially public restrooms)
After sneezing or coughing
After handling garbage/trash
Before and after treating wounds

2. Keep your distance from people who are sick. Avoid any personal contact as virus can easily be transferred. During the flu season, try to avoid crowded public places. Be sure to check the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for any health warnings and health updates.

3. Eat a balanced diet. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables will give you the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and strong.

4. Drink lots of water. This will help flush toxins out, thus reducing your risk of disease and infections.

5. Get enough sleep. Sleeping for less than 8 hours a day can weaken your immune system. If for any reasons you can’t get enough sleep at night, try to nap during the day.

6. Exercise regularly. Be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

7. Drink your vitamins everyday, as it will help boost your immune system.

8. Clean surfaces regularly to avoid bacteria causing disease in your home. Be sure to clean and disinfect the following:

Phones
Remote Controls
Door Handles
Light Switches
Microwave and refrigerator handles
Faucets
Toilet Seats and Handles
Kitchen Sink

9. Get a massage. Studies show that massage can help reduce anxiety, blood pressure and heart rate, thus lowering, stress level.

10. Laugh and keep a positive attitude. As the saying goes: “Laughter is the best medicine. This is indeed true. Based on research, laughing hard can help prevent sickness. It also boosts blood flow, may lower stress level and the risk of heart disease.”

Edited: 01/31/2020

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Kate Allado | Senior Advocate / Care Advisor( State Licensed Certified Administrator | Co-Founder at SeniorCareHomes.Com )

Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.