How to Support & Strengthen Older Adults' Immune Systems During Cold, Flu, & COVID Season
Cold, flu, and COVID-19 season can be especially stressful when you care for someone 65 or older. These illnesses, which typically cause mild symptoms in younger people, can present severe complications in seniors and exacerbate underlying health problems.
The good news is that you can take steps to strengthen and support your loved one’s immune system. Here, we highlight some of our favorite products to help your immune-boosting efforts.
1. Vitamins & Supplements
Most people get the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals from their diet. However, up to 30% of adults 60 and older are malnourished, meaning they don’t get the nutrients their immune system needs to function optimally.
A multivitamin or vitamin C supplement is an easy way to provide support, particularly if your loved one has a nutritional deficiency. There’s even evidence these supplements can improve immune cell function.
Emergen-C Vitamin C Chewables
Emergen-C has been one of America’s favorite supplements since it first entered stores in 1978. These chewable tablets contain 2x more vitamin C than the leading competition. They’re made with natural fruit flavors and taste delicious.
Key Benefits & Features
Each serving (two tablets) contains more vitamin C than 10 oranges.
The flavor is delicious making it a great option for picky palates.
Supports immune health, reducing the risk of acute illnesses, like the cold and flu.
Geri-Care One-Daily Multivitamin Supplement
This Geri-Care multivitamin is formulated for adults 60 and older. It contains vitamins C and D to support a strong immune system, vitamins B-6 and B-12 for energy, and calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
Key Benefits & Features
Formulated specifically for older adults’ nutritional needs.
One tablet provides 24 hours of nutritional support.
Each vitamin is small and easy to swallow.
Hear It From a User: “It’s exactly what I was looking for. I have so many sensitivities and allergies to things. I’m so glad I found this.” - Maria L.
Price: $23.89 - $271.12
2. Hydration
Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the easiest ways to support your health and well-being. Staying hydrated also flushes toxins from the body and makes it easier for our white blood cells to fight off harmful microorganisms, like viruses and bacteria.
This cold and flu season, make sure your pantry includes various beverages. Here are three caregiver-approved favorites:
Sqwincher Zero Electrolyte Replenishment Drink Mix
Sqwincher is a high-electrolyte, sugar-free alternative to high-calorie sports drinks, like Gatorade and Powerade. It tastes delicious, comes in single-serve packets, and contains 100% of the vitamin C daily value recommended for adults.
Key Benefits & Features
Only five calories per serving.
The formula is low sodium and gluten-free, so it’s safe for those with special dietary restrictions.
Comes in assorted flavors, including grape, orange, fruit punch, lemonade, and mixed berry.
Hear It From a Caregiver: We cycle [through] a lot of Sqwincher. [It] keeps us refreshed and energetic. Been using it for years.” - Pauline H.
Price: $16.85 - $220.83
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier + Immune Support Drink
This Liquid I.V. drink mix is formulated to strengthen and support the immune system. It contains a blend of zinc, vitamin C, and Wellmune (a proprietary, naturally-sourced form of beta-glucan). Simply mix the single-serving package with 16 ounces of water and enjoy.
Key Benefits & Features
Contains 3x the electrolytes of other leading sports drinks.
Comes in travel-friendly, single-serve packages.
The tangerine flavor tastes great. Caregivers tell us it’s a crowd-pleaser and suitable for those with picky palates.
Pedialyte Electrolyte Solution Powder
Pedialyte is synonymous with healing and recovery. The electrolyte-infused beverage is safe for people of all ages and tastes great. We carry several types of Pedialyte, but these drink mixes are best-sellers. They come in single-serve packages and feature a variety of flavors, including fruit punch, grape, apple, and strawberry.
Key Benefits & Features
Promotes fluid absorption quickly and effectively.
Quickly replaces vital minerals and nutrients lost during diarrhea and vomiting.
Helps prevent dehydration in children and older adults.
Price: $5.76 - $58.04
3. Proper Nutrition
Eating a nutritious diet containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy proteins, and fat-free or low-fat dairy can help fortify your body against germs and bacteria. However, that may not be possible if your loved one has difficulty chewing or a low appetite. Thankfully, nutritional shakes provide a safe and effective alternative.
Boost Very High Calorie Oral Supplement
Boost high-calorie shakes are formulated for people experiencing malnutrition or needing to gain or maintain weight. Since malnutrition and low weight increase the risk of poor immunity, these are good to have on hand during cold and flu season.
Key Benefits & Features
Each serving contains 530 calories, 22 grams of protein, 26 grams of fat, and 26 vitamins and minerals.
Three flavors are available: very vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate.
Contains immune-supporting ingredients, such as zinc, iron, selenium, and vitamins C and D.
Price: $54.26
Hear It From a Caregiver: “A very excellent product. I would recommend it to anyone trying to help build up their immune system. It is great for helping put on weight to someone who desperately needs to gain weight.” - Marie H.
Reason Nutrition Beverage
Reason Nutrition Beverage shakes are designed to provide high calories that taste great and are easily digestible. These shakes are made with European milk protein and coconut oil, offering 450 calories per bottle.
Key Benefits & Features
All premium, natural, non-GMO and gluten-free.
Coconut derived medium-chain triglycerides for rapid absorption and energy.
Level 1 thickness (slightly thick).
Price: $37.95 - $39.98
4. Sleep Quality
Quality sleep is essential for feeling your best, but it can also reduce your risk of illness.
If your loved one spends most nights tossing and turning or staring at the ceiling, sleep supplements can help them wind down and doze off. Here are three caregiver-approved favorites:
OLLY Sleep Gummies
These small, chewable gummies taste great and include melatonin, L-theanine, and chamomile. This combination of ingredients is scientifically formulated to help users fall and stay asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Key Benefits & Features
Each gummy contains three milligrams of melatonin.
The blackberry flavor is smooth and delicious, making it suitable for even the pickiest palates.
These gummies contain no artificial colors or flavors.
Price: $38.88
Nature’s Bounty Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral found in many fruits and vegetables, including spinach, avocados, and bananas. It supports bone and muscle health, but can also alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Key Benefits & Features
Each capsule contains 400 milligrams of magnesium, 100% of the recommended daily value for adults.
Supports a calm and relaxed mood, making it easier to sleep.
A natural way to manage anxiety that prevents restful sleep.
Price: $10.63
Nature’s Bounty Melatonin
Melatonin is an all-natural sleep aid. It helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. Since poor sleep is associated with low immunity, add this to your medicine cabinet if your loved one struggles to doze off.
Key Benefits & Features
Each 180-milligram capsule is small and easy to swallow.
Melatonin is clinically studied and proven to promote sleep.
Drug-free and non-habit-forming.
Hear It From a Caregiver: “It seems to work just fine. [I was] having trouble getting my mother to fall asleep at night after napping sporadically through the daytime hours.” - Margery H.
5. Mobility & Exercise
Exercise can be challenging for those with low or limited mobility, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Moving our bodies in even small ways can help boost immunity during flu season when respiratory illnesses abound.
We carry various items that support mobility and exercise. Here are a few of our favorites:
McKesson Gait Belt
A gait belt makes exercising easier for those with low or limited mobility. It provides a handle caregivers can use to prevent falls and support balance. This McKesson gait belt is a best-seller. It’s machine washable and the buckle is made from sturdy, 100% iron.
Key Benefits & Features
Aids in patient handling and mobility.
Reduces the risk of falls and accidents, providing peace of mind for caregivers.
Easy to use and machine washable.
Hear It From a Caregiver: “I purchased this for my mother as she broke her hip, and the physical therapist thought it would be good to have one on hand at home. She said it could be used while my mother was doing her exercises or going for walks. I could put it on her to help me if she were to start fall.” - Teresa S.
Price: $7.21 - $12.93
Walkers & Rollators
Walkers and rollators restore your loved one’s mobility and independence. They support activities of daily living and reduce the risk of falls. Most can be folded up for easy transport, and we offer various options to support all budgets and abilities.
Crutches & Canes
Crutches or a cane might be better if your loved one is relatively mobile and has mild balance problems. These mobility devices aren’t as stable as walkers, but they can be beneficial for those with arthritis or injuries to one foot or leg.
Thera-Band Professional Resistance Band Kit
Resistance bands are a great way to get back into exercise if it’s been a while since you last moved your body. They’re gentle on the joints, help build muscle, and support improved balance and mobility.
Key Benefits & Features
These resistance bands are designed to improve functional living and rehabilitate injuries.
The color progression system makes it easy for users to monitor progress as their strength increases.
Regular exercises with resistance bands can improve posture, support cardiovascular fitness, and prevent falls.
Hear It From a User: “I am using the Therabands to restore my core strength following surgery and a serious battle with Sepsis and Pneumonia. They really work well!” - Tammera T.
Price: $17.28
BodySport Foam Roller
A foam roller might not look like much, but it can support your loved one by improving mobility, increasing flexibility, and relieving musculoskeletal pain. The BodySport foam roller is lightweight, durable, and affordable.
Key Benefits & Features
Provides an easy and effective way to improve balance and flexibility.
Can be incorporated into any rehab or physical therapy routine.
Rubber latex-free.
Price: $14.48 - $38.08
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Carewell Is Here For You This Cold, Flu & COVID-19 Season
We’re committed to keeping you and your loved ones happy and healthy this cold and flu season. The products featured in this buying guide are top-sellers and caregiver-approved, but they’re only a small fraction of our inventory. If you have questions or need help while shopping, contact our friendly Care Team any time. They’re available 24/7 and speak English and Spanish. Call (800) 696-2273 or email support@carewell.com.
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