Health remains our most valuable asset at all stages of life, and it is particularly important for older persons to remain healthy and to be more resilient. As age increases, the immune system of older persons may diminish, making them more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. Therefore, understanding and effective anti-infection measures are essential to the health of older persons. The following are practical anti-infection recommendations aimed at helping older people in the community to better protect themselves. I. A balanced diet, increased immunity, and more food with antioxidants:
Antioxidants can protect the immune system by helping the body to resist free radical damage. Older persons should eat more of vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium-rich food, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, blueberries, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Maintaining sufficient protein intake: Protein is a key component in building immune cells. Older persons should choose high-quality sources of protein, such as skinny meat, fish, beans and low-fat dairy products. Supplementary fungi: The fungi helps to maintain intestinal health and promotes the proper functioning of the immune system. Older persons can supplement the fungi by eating fermented foods such as yogurt and pickles.
II. Rational exercise, improvement of physical qualities
Sport enhances CPR function, promotes blood circulation and increases body resistance. Older persons can choose low-intensity sports such as walking, Tai Chi and yoga. Avoid overwork: While sport is healthy, older persons should avoid overwork so as not to burden their bodies. It is advisable to consult with doctors or professionals prior to the campaign.
Maintaining personal hygiene and reducing the risk of infection
Hand washing for at least 20 seconds using soap and mobile water, especially before and after exposure to public goods, before and after eating, and after coughing and sneezing. Use of masks: In public places or during high-prevalence periods, older persons should wear masks to reduce the risk of contracting respiratory viruses. Maintenance of household cleaning: regular cleaning and disinfection of household surfaces, in particular high-frequency contact points such as doorknobs and taps. (b) Avoid overcrowding: reduce access to densely populated and poorly ventilated sites to reduce the risk of infection.
iv. Vaccination against infectious diseases.
Influenza is a serious health threat for older persons. Annual influenza vaccinations reduce the risk of influenza. :: Consider vaccination against pneumonia: pneumonia is one of the infectious diseases common to older persons. Pneumonia vaccination can help to prevent pneumonia caused by streptococcus. Counselling doctors on other vaccinations: On the advice of doctors, older persons may need to be vaccinated against other vaccines, such as herpes.
Maintaining mental health and strengthening physical resistance
Mental health is closely related to physical health. Older persons should remain positive and optimistic about the challenges of life. Maintaining social activities: Moderate social activities help older persons to remain happy and reduce their sense of isolation. However, during an epidemic, older persons should comply with vaccination provisions and avoid large-scale gatherings. Easier skills: Relaxive techniques such as deep breath, meditation can help older persons to reduce stress and increase physical resistance.
VI. Timely access to medical care and proper treatment of infections
Older persons should pay close attention to their own physical changes, such as timely medical treatment in the event of symptoms of fever, cough and respiratory difficulties. Following medical instructions: After medical treatment, older persons shall be treated in strict accordance with the instructions of the doctor, and shall not be free to stop or change treatment programmes. Avoiding the misuse of antibiotics: antibiotics are effective only for bacterial infections and not for viral infections. Older persons should avoid the abuse of antibiotics to prevent drug resistance.
In short, combating infection is a long-term and daunting task for older persons. Older persons can significantly reduce the risk of infection and improve the quality of life through measures such as balanced diet, reasonable exercise, maintenance of personal hygiene, vaccination, mental health and timely access to health care. At the same time, communities and family members should give older persons more care and support to work together to create a healthy and safe living environment. Let’s work together to protect the health of the elderly!
