Many people comment that they fall ill more now that they are older than when they were younger. If you think the same thing, this is not just a coincidence. Indeed, there are reasons why you can get sick easier when you are older. This is all to do with your immune system.

Know that your body changes over time, and in some cases, your immune system will get weaker. This means that if you are over 70, you may start to notice that you get sick more times than years ago. Here is a useful guide on the immune system and what you can expect when you are over 70.

What is the Immune System?

First of all, what is the immune system? Well, this is a part of your body that is made up of a number of things. For example, this includes white blood cells, organs and tissues of the lymph system. Together, they work hard to help you fight infections and to prevent you from getting sick.

It is thought that your immune system is at its best during puberty. Then, as you get older, it can decline in its strength. Of course, there is no set age at which your immune system will be weaker. For example, this does not just happen because you have hit 70 years old. It can be different for everyone, and it is something that can happen over time. But, you are more likely to have a weakened immune system by the time you are 70. This is certainly compared to when you were younger in age.

If you get sick, it is best to see a doctor quickly. While this is not always possible on the NHS, you should consider private healthcare to access appointments faster. Check out https://www.usaycompare.co.uk/health-insurance/over-70-health-insurance to explore getting an over 60 health insurance policy that is suitable for your needs and which will allow you to make appointments and get treatment quickly.

How Can You Help Your Immune System?

Know that there are ways you can help your body and immune system work at its best. Some simple lifestyle changes can do this. Here are some of them.

Prioritise Your Sleep

Something very important for your immune system is enough sleep. If you are not enjoying quality rest, this can make you more susceptible to illness. Your body is not getting a chance to rest and repair. So, make sure you are prioritising your sleep. You need to get at least seven hours of sleep every night. Spend time winding down so that you can enjoy uninterrupted rest.

Reduce Stress Levels

Do you find that you suffer from stress on a regular basis? This is something that can weaken your immune system. This means that you need to find ways that you can lower your stress levels and make sure you feel relaxed. Not only is this going to have a positive effect on your mood, but it can also mean that you are less likely to get sick.

Eat Healthy Food

If you want to make sure that your immune system is strong and healthy, you have to eat good foods. We are talking about plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as things like fish and seeds. These are going to provide you with a number of excellent nutrients that are good for you. While you can still treat and enjoy yourself, try to include plenty of good foods for the immune system, and this is something that can help with your overall energy and mood too.

Cancel Plans with Sick Loved Ones

Sometimes, prevention is better than cure. If your loved ones are feeling sick at the moment, it can be best to avoid them until they are better. This way, you are not unnecessarily testing your immune system. You can reduce your chances of catching the germs and getting sick yourself. Know that many bugs out there are contagious, and it is not worth risking your health. 

Enjoy Regular Exercise

Most people know that regular exercise is important for their health. But, did you realise it is particularly good for your immune system? When you are exercising, this helps to move immune cells around the body. What’s more, they are more present in the body for a number of hours afterwards. So, this can help prevent you from getting sick. Therefore, know that regular exercise is a good way to have a healthy immune system.