Eating enough protein, staying active with regular walking, and getting restorative sleep all play a key role in lowering cold risk for older adults. This perspective comes from the Moscow Ministry of Health, shared by Nadezhda Runikhina, who serves as chief geriatrician.
She emphasized that seniors should minimize exposure to acute infections since a bout of illness can destabilize health and contribute to senile weakness. Protective measures matter: using personal protective equipment when appropriate and limiting contact with those who are visibly sick can reduce risk. In addition, timely vaccination against influenza, pneumococcal disease, and other respiratory infections is recommended for older adults to strengthen defenses year after year.
As people age, the immune system tends to lose some of its robustness. Even when bloodwork appears normal, the activity of immune cells such as lymphocytes and neutrophils may not be as efficient, which can fuel chronic inflammation. The impact of these changes can be softened through a combination of solid nutrition, adequate sleep, effective stress management, and regular physical activity.
Important dietary pillars for older adults include adequate protein, dietary fiber, and complex carbohydrates. Iron need remains a concern, and meat intake can help prevent iron deficiency anemia, a condition that is more common in the elderly.
Runikhina noted that it is often better to prioritize protein from dairy products and plant-based sources. Legumes such as beans and soybeans are valuable options, while fish and chicken can provide high-quality animal protein. She advised limiting fatty cuts of meat. A daily intake of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables supports gut health, and the gut microbiota plays a significant role not only in digestion but also in maintaining immune function in older adults.
Additionally, some clinicians warn about syndromes that can appear with age, including conditions like VEXAS syndrome, which has been discussed in medical circles as affecting people over fifty. Awareness of such conditions underscores the importance of regular health monitoring and timely medical assessment whenever new or unusual symptoms emerge in later life. [Source: Moscow Health Department]