Boosting an Aging Immune System

• Autoimmune disorders become more prevalent due to the immune system’s inability to distinguish the bad invaders from the healthy tissues.
• The immune system slows down causing cancer cells and bacteria along with other invaders better opportunity to invade before being destroyed.
• Fewer white blood cells account for decreased ability to defend against new, unrecognized invaders.

• Stress Reduction Techniques. The importance of reducing stress cannot be undervalued. Research suggests that there is a strong correlation between stress and the effects of aging on the immune system. Stress has been shown to reduce natural killer cells, cells that fight tumors and infections. If stress continues for a few days or longer, all aspects of immunity go downhill. Techniques to reduce stress include staying focused in the present, otherwise known as mindful awareness. Keeping focused in the present keeps you from worrying about the future or regretting errors in the past, two activities that increase stress with no benefit. Tai chi and yoga are two exercises that promote such mindfulness and are commonly taught at local senior community centers.
• Healthy Diet and Exercise. The immune system feeds off of healthy food and loves an increased flow in circulation that helps flush out foreign invaders. A healthy diet consists of nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily along with low-fat meats such as fish or chicken, low-fat dairy, and whole-grains. What you exclude from the diet is also important. Smoking is a definite drainer on the immune system as well as over-indulging in alcohol or sugar-laden drinks. Exercise that promotes stress reduction involves aerobic and muscle strengthening. The key is exercise at a moderate pace. Exhaustion can actually impede the immune system. Accompanying your parent on a daily walk may be all they need.