Wound Healing and Immunity in Seniors with Tips to Speed it up
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Wound Healing and Immunity in Seniors with Tips to Speed it up
Aging, for better or not as good as you used to in your youth, things become slower. The internal changes are what you feel, but on the skin is what other people see. As you get older, the skin will thin and become predisposed to injury. Also if a senior has chronic diseases, some sort of blood ailment, and malnutrition can add to the slowing of the healing process. Because immune cells are at the top of list responsible for healing, you want to do everything you can to support them.3
Diet and Exercise to improve immunity and support wound healing
If the cells and systems do not have the necessary nutrients for repair and growth, healing may be impared and lead to infections if the wounds are open for long. It is also common for wounds to heal slower and even get injured more often if a senior has Diabetes. Diabetic seniors can develop numbness and pain in the lower legs and feet that make it difficult to feel an injury. With a decreased blood flow in a diabetic, the cells that help heal a wound will not work properly. Including high blood sugar, peripheral blood circulation is often obstructed in diabetes by preventing cells such as platelets and monocytes from entering the wound. With exercising to get the blood flowing, it takes pressure off the wounds, and that combined with a healthy diet that includes protein, key nutrients in healing, and amino acids help rebuild skin and body tissue.1, 2, 3
Offloading, Supplements, and Prevention for better wound healing
Bedsores are common in seniors if they have been imboble for a long time. That pressure cuts off blood flow to the soft tissues on top of the bones. First by taking care of the physical aspect, keep pressure off the wound to get blood flowing back to the area. Depending on the wound location, stand or walk, lie down on your side or stomach, and turn every couple of hours to reduce the risk of developing another wound. If there are any open sores or injuries, get it cleaned, dressed, and medicated to create a moist, healthy environment in the wound and promote healing. For the internal, you can start by taking a combination of supplements, doctor recommended medications, and nutrition to improve cell function and immunity for better healing. Top picks are Vitamin C and zinc because they enable cells to multiply. Is it the same for both male and female seniors? The principle is the same, but for specifics, women need about 46 grams of protein per day versus men needing 56 grams. Includes a wide variety of vegetables, some fruit, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods.2, 3
Eat right, move often, avoid unnecessary stressors, get chronic conditions under control, treat your diabetes and a bit of vigilance will help not only boost immunity, it all aids in wound healing.
References:
- https://www.woundcareinc.com/resources/factors-that-affect-wound-healing
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/why-wound-healing-gets-harder-as-we-age#:~:text=%22The%20body’s%20capacity%20to%20repair,healing%20process%2C%22%20says%20Dr.
- http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2013/issue133a/