Here Is A Dietary Guide Assisting The Elderly In Living A Healthier Life

As people get older, many things change, including changing their diet to meet their dietary requirements. Not only your physical self but also your senses try to become numb as you get older. It means you won’t be able to taste food as well, and your appetite might be reduced. Some medications can cause nausea and cause you to skip meals.

There are also receding gums, which is a problem with dental health. Many of these issues arise as you get older. Adult’s lack of proper nutrition, according to the World Health Organization, causes most diseases. However, there are some food choices that you can make as an adult to ensure that you get the nutrition you require.

We’ll go over everything in this blog. Read on.

Have Food Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are important to your health as it helps in reducing inflammation in your body, that may cause cancer, arthritis, heart diseases, etc.. 

Studies show that this fatty acid can reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s as it keeps your brain alert.  Some studies say that omega-three fatty acids help reduce the progression of AMD, which is the condition of vision. Omega-three fatty acids can be found in various fishes like salmon and sardines. 

If you are a vegetarian, have soybean, flaxseeds, and walnuts, which are absolutely delicious and can be used in various recipes for the elderly. If you cannot meet your dietary requirements for omega-3 fatty acids, you can have a supplement. However, before taking any supplements, please consult your doctor.

Those residing in senior living communities often have access to meals that prioritize omega-3-rich foods prepared by professional chefs. If you opt for the best senior living community in Lexington, you’ll have access to fresh and healthy meals that are tailored to meet your specific dietary needs. These communities also have trained staff who can assist with meal planning and ensuring that residents are getting the necessary nutrients.

Consume Calcium-rich Foods

Almost everyone understands the importance of calcium as they age. In fact, anyone over the age of 30 should try to consume more calcium than they previously did.  It helps to keep bones healthy and has also been shown to lower blood pressure. A lack of calcium can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which your bones become extremely brittle and fragile. 

If you are an older adult, this is extremely dangerous because you may injure yourself any time you fall and your bones are not healthy. WHO recommends that anyone over the age of 50 consume at least 1200 mg of calcium per day.  What you can do is take a dietary supplement that will meet your daily calcium requirements.

Have Your DC- aka Vitamin D and C

The body will not absorb calcium unless it is supplemented with adequate vitamin D.  Vitamin D has been shown to protect you from various problems, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and MS. Vitamin D is produced naturally when you are exposed to sunlight. However, as more people spend time indoors, you may become deficient, making it important to supplement it. 

Vitamin C has many antioxidant properties that can protect you from heart disease and is also good for collagen production. Collagen is what gives your skin its elasticity.  So if you want tighter and healthier skin- load up on those oranges! 

Consume Fiber-rich Foods

Constipation is a common problem among the elderly, as the digestive system slows down with age.  Your digestive tract’s walls thicken up, and food passes slower. 

Fibre-rich foods aid in the efficient movement of food through the digestive tract. You can easily accomplish this by incorporating nuts, whole wheat loaves of bread, and portions of pasta, as well as fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion 

A well-balanced diet, plenty of water, and regular exercise will provide you with more benefits than you can imagine. As a result, incorporate the above and witness the miracle of how you can heal yourself using nature’s fresh produce.

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