Good Nutrition Promotes Senior Health in Central Florida
Many of us are beginning this new year with a resolution to maintain a healthy diet and watch what we eat. How about you? Trying to replace the sweets of the holiday season with more fruits and vegetables? You should know that your hard work can result in more than a smaller waistline. In addition to delivering essential nutrients for optimal health and well-being, a healthy diet can play an essential role in improving your quality of life as you age.
photo credit: shaggyshoo
According to the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health, good nutrition may help seniors slow the onset of many diseases, manage the symptoms of chronic illness, lessen the impact of disease on lifestyle, and boost longevity.
With the support of family and professional caregivers as needed, seniors can realize numerous benefits from good nutrition, including:
- Greater energy and improved feeling of well-being by providing calories needed to get through the day
- Strengthened immune system and protection against illness
- Reduced incidence of mood swings and depression
- Increased mental focus, reducing the risk for dementia-related conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish, the spice turmeric, green leafy vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower show promise in helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
- Reduced risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol through low-sodium and low-fat foods
- Lessened chance of diabetes through weight control and a diet that includes whole grains, multi-colored fruits and vegetables, small amounts of healthy fats, lean poultry, low-fat dairy, and adequate water
- Decreased risk of vision loss from macular degeneration
- Strengthened bones from calcium
- Decreased risk of some forms of cancer
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Improved weight control by concentrating on nutrient-rich foods that are more filling than “empty calorie” foods that lack essential vitamins and minerals
- Younger, healthier-looking skin
- Improved digestion and regularity, through consumption of whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables and adequate hydration
- Greater effectiveness of some medications
- Improved recovery from illness, accident or surgery
Central Florida Seniors and Malnutrition Risk
Seniors are at a greater risk of malnutrition than younger adults due to a wide range of social circumstances, such as living alone, and health conditions, such as dementia. These factors can lead to “a cascade of difficulties” that prevent seniors from getting the nutrition needed for healthful living, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Clinic adds that malnutrition leads to serious health consequences and raises the risk of death—and that the effects of malnutrition build up over time, leading to fatigue and a weakened immune system. This can leave seniors vulnerable to pneumonia and other serious infections. Other effects of undernourishment include: loss of strength and muscle mass; anemia; changes in brain chemistry that increase incidence of depression; decreased efficiency of prescription drugs; and increased risk of digestive, lung, and heart problems.
Resources for Healthy Eating
Modified Food Pyramid for Older Adults (Tufts University)
Eating Well As You Get Older (National Institute of Health)
Healthy Eating for Seniors (Nutrition.com)
Meals for 1 or 2 (Colorado State University)
Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages, Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.
photo credit: tobias.munich
Look for our next post on Ensuring Good Nutrition While Eating Less. A must-read if you’re worried about your lack of appetite!
