Boost Your Immune System to Stay Healthier This Winter

You can’t live the carefree senior life if you’re sick in bed. It’s time to toughen up your immune system so your body can more easily fend off seasonal illness, not to mention chronic diseases. The best place to start? Be good to your heart because – no surprise – the things you do to maintain a healthy heart also work to boost your immune system.

Don’t smoke!

Smoking damages your lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory infections. It impairs your circulation, so your immune system cannot function properly. And, of course, smoking is bad news in myriad other ways, too. The American Cancer Society can help you quit.

Strongly consider getting vaccines recommended for seniors

Why not take advantage of advanced science to give your immune system an additional boost? Medicare pays for several important senior vaccines, including flu, pneumococcal disease, RSV, COVID-19, shingles, and hepatitis B.

Eat well

Good health and good-tasting food go together like, well, Southern + cuisine. Well-balanced food choices are key so you don’t miss out on vital vitamins and minerals. Besides, variety is the spice of life – and meals.

Many foods are chock-full of nutrients, so you get maximum value in every mouthful. And many of these foods are probably on your list of favorites. We’re talking about fresh fruits and veggies, beans, nuts, whole grains, and seeds. What nutrient-dense foods are tops to strengthen your immune system? Here are 10 delicious examples.

Here are some additional nutrition tips for seniors.

Get outdoors

Fresh air may be colder in winter, but you still need vitamin D to help strengthen immunity as well as bones. So bundle up if you need to, but get outside as often as you can. Spending time outside is especially important for seniors.

Keep moving

Exercise boosts everything. It helps to sharpen your mind, strengthen bones and muscles, maintain flexibility and balance, lift your spirits, and soothe the soul. That’s good for your immune system as well as your self-confidence and mobility. Exercise benefits are compounded when activities take you outdoors.

Talk to your healthcare provider to ensure you’re getting enough of the right types of exercise for your body.

Get proactive about reducing stress

We all experience stress, but there are steps you can take to reduce inner tension and the negative effects it has on your mind, body, and spirit. For seniors, practicing self-care helps maintain overall well-being.

Exercise, both vigorous and yoga or tai chi, is an excellent stress-reducer and mood-enhancer. Try relaxing with a good book or hand-work project or a good movie. Or see for yourself how meditation can help reduce stress.

Also consider a nice, quiet talk with your pastor. Individual pastoral care is an important part of the daily work our chaplains perform in Magnolia Manor communities. We know first-hand how much it can mean just to have someone to talk to.

Zzzzzzzz

It makes sense when you think about it, but recent research confirms “sound sleep supports immune function.” Getting adequate rest helps your immune system stay sharp, and it helps your brain stay sharp by improving concentration and memory.

Your immune system is literally your body’s first line of defense against infection. The more you do to enhance and support immunity, the better your chances you can stay healthy and active all winter long.

Healthy Living at Magnolia Manor

At Magnolia Manor, nurturing the whole person is at the heart of everything we do. From thoughtfully prepared meals that nourish the body, to engaging programs that challenge the mind, to meaningful connections that feed the soul, our community is built on the belief that life should be lived fully—at every age. We’re more than just a place to live; we’re a place to grow, connect, and thrive together. Because here, every day is an opportunity to enrich the mind, energize the body, and uplift the spirit.

Call us at 1-855-540-LIFE or schedule a tour today to experience the warmth and vitality of our communities for yourself.