Keeping your diet in check is quite important, especially if you are reaching old age. Eating healthy can be extremely beneficial to seniors. It can keep them healthy and strong, and more able to fight back illness or infection.
Of course, it is undeniable that health issues will start to surface once you age. If you do not have a healthy lifestyle and diet, these slight health issues can lead to serious complications, such as diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, which can get worse over time.
Fortunately, it is not too late to eat well. Even if you are on the later part of your life, there’s still a chance to enjoy it fully. Check out the essential components of a healthy diet for any senior.
Highly Nutritious Food
Aging causes you to need less calories, but, at the same time, it causes your need for all the basic nutrients to escalate drastically. Specifically, things like protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals are quite important for senior individuals.
So, what foods provide these nutrients abundantly? Well, here are a few:
- Fruits and veggies
- Lean protein
- Whole grains
- Seeds and nuts
- Lentils and beans
- Dairy (low-fat)
Right now, you have to know that excessive sugar intake is not suitable for the elderly. Too much of it can be deleterious to your body, especially if you eat foods with high sugar content excessively. Desserts and sweetened beverages are things that you should avoid.
Seniors should maintain a healthy weight. It is quite evident that obese individuals are more prone to diseases than those who have average weight.
Fortunately, this problem can be addressed by starting a ketogenic diet. Through ketones produced by this diet, the body can regulate its weight while improving insulin resistance and bone health. Learning how to use ketones for weight loss is quite beneficial for seniors.
Fiber
Soluble fiber is a crucial part of every adult’s diet. Your digestive system requires a significant amount of soluble fiber to prevent constipation and other digestive problems. Stomach inconveniences are not good for old people at all.
When it comes to seniors, soluble fiber is the primary choice over regular fiber. Soluble fiber takes a huge role in regulating the cholesterol level of your body. There are several sources of this particular type of fiber.
- Whole grain
- Seeds and nuts
- Oats
- Lentils and beans
- Fruits and veggies
Eating struggles for the elderly are not only caused by stomach upsets. Most of their locomotive functions have already deteriorated due to aging. At some point, they already require the service of adaptive equipment for eating.
Water
One should not ignore the importance of water. In any given diet, water is always recommended and given priority. Just think of it as a staple ingredient for the survival of the body.
Elderly individuals have less awareness of their thirst. Therefore, it is quite crucial for them to drink water regularly; not because they are thirsty, but because they need it.
The minimum water intake is around eight glasses per day. But there’s no risk if they will increase the number of glasses they drink. Seniors can also stay hydrated through eating soup, or drinking a nutritional shake, tea or a glass of juice.
Wrapping It Up
Reaching old age is quite an achievement in and of itself. It is one of the most satisfying life’s milestones. Therefore, it deserves to be celebrated.
Of course, staying healthy and fit is one of the best ways to enjoy your later years. Just follow this list, and you can be assured that your peak years will be fulfilling.
If you have any questions or suggestions about eating healthy as a senior, feel free to drop us a line in the comment section.
