Eat Your Way To Good Health
Seniors who want to live longer, more active lives can find these goals easier to achieve by eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet can provide increased energy, a stronger immune system, faster healing from injury, and even greater mental alertness. As we age our nutritional needs change so here are some key things for seniors to remember when planning healthy eating habits.

• Mature adults typically need higher levels of fiber, calcium and vitamin D so they   should try to incorporate these into their diets via whole grains, colorful fruits,   and legumes.
• Tuna, salmon, sardines, and walnuts are all good sources of Omega 3 fatty acids   which can combat heart disease.
• We tend to dehydrate faster as we age so drinking water is important.
• Watch the saturated fat by reducing intake of fatty meats such as bacon.
• Be aware of the impact that medications may have on appetite, vitamin levels,   and energy – these can all influence what and how much seniors eat so it’s   important to give our bodies what they need even though we may not always feel   like it.
• Monitor your alcohol intake – some age-related medical conditions can be   aggravated by alcohol and it’s actually easier to develop alcoholism as you age.
• Recognize the role of emotions in aging and good nutrition. Due to health issues,   isolation, or other factors, seniors can experience depression or anxiety which can   cause unhealthy eating patterns. Be sure to address “the blues” or any other   emotional issues with your doctor or a trained therapist.
• Avoid the temptation to eat fast foods which are easy to prepare, chew, or   digest but which may not be good for you. Experiment with different means of   easily preparing vegetables and fruits so that you get the nutrients you need.
• Spice it up – our taste buds tend to be less sensitive as we age so add spices,   herbs, and lemon juice to meals to perk up the flavor but take it easy on the salt.

Be sure to discuss your nutritional needs with your doctor and keep him or her informed of any changes in your appetite or eating patterns. Sometimes simple changes in eating habits or digestive patterns can signal significant health issues so don’t dismiss these as unimportant. With a little attention to their diet combined with some healthy exercise, mature adults can help ensure that the have the health and vitality needed to fully enjoy their senior years.
employment contact privacy