When it comes to senior health, one of the major questions asked is how to boost the immune system. And fast.
Most articles concentrate on eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and not smoking.
However, there’s one other key ingredient. An ingredient that often gets overlooked but may have even more direct benefits.
And that awesome ingredient is the sun.
The world is now beginning to remember the importance of the sun on the body’s health, and how regular sun exposure can actually help boost seniors’ immune systems.
Here are 4 ways regular sun exposure can help boost seniors’ immune systems quickly.
Sleep
It’s no surprise that sleep affects the body’s ability to take care of itself. In fact, those who experience less sleep or lower qualities of sleep are more likely to become ill.
Luckily, getting a good dose of sun in the morning can actually help seniors sleep better at night.
When you’re outdoors, soaking in the sun- the sun’s light filters in through your eyes, allowing your body to store up melatonin. And, melatonin is the chemical in the body that helps you sleep at night.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known to help the immune system against sickness and disease. Indeed, lack of Vitamin D has been connected to a lower cognitive performance in older adults and seniors.
Meaning that vitamin D can help prevent cognitive diseases often found in older adults such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
While most people get their vitamin D from foods, another easy way for seniors to get some extra vitamin D into their bodies is exposure to the sun. Plus, it’s free with every ray!
Emotional Wellbeing
Regular exposure to the sun can really help boost seniors’ emotional stability, which in turn can help quickly boost their immune systems.
Researchers are still working to understand the science behind it, but there is a definite correlation between sun exposure and the body’s ability to produce serotonin. This is important, because serotonin is one of the main chemicals in the body that makes the brain happy.
Positivity and happiness can help the body’s immune system stay strong and continue fighting forward.
Weight Stability
This benefit is especially pertinent to chair-bound seniors, who may often struggle with maintaining a steady weight without exercise.
According to WebMD, early morning sun can aid in weight loss by targeting fat cells by the skin’s surface. This means, that just going out into the sun before noon can actually help seniors lose weight.
Sun exposure the healthy way.
As listed above, regular exposure to the sun has many benefits.
However, just like with anything in life, it’s important not to overdo it. Balance is key.
In order to make sure your senior is getting sun exposure the healthy way, follow these tips:
- Keep track of how long your senior spends out in the sun. Doctors recommend up to 30 minutes.
- Aim to go out during the early morning sun hours, rather than later in the day when the sun is harsher.
- Make sure your senior is wearing sunscreen with the correct SPF for his or her skin.
- Be sure your senior is wearing sunglasses.
- Check with a dermatologist for any skin abnormalities you may be concerned about.
