Healthy eating options for seniors
Courtesy Metro Creative Connection
“ Let food be thy medicine ” is a quote attributed to Hippocrates , the ancient scholar considered to be the father of modern medicine . The saying relates to the notion that what people put in their bodies can heal and / or prevent certain conditions .
For seniors with medicine cabinets full of overthe-counter and prescription medications , the idea of relying predominantly on food to promote optimal health may be tempting , and various foods can be particularly useful to the 50-and-over demographic .
According to the World Health Organization , poor diet is a major contributor to many of the diseases that affect older people . Poor diet has been connected to the development of diabetes , and degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis also may be linked to the foods ones eat . The National Council for Aging Care says micronutrient deficiency is often a problem among the aging due to factors like lack of variety in diet and reduced food intake . Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older . Certain foods may be particularly helpful .
Brain-friendly foods : Foods such as avocado , leafy vegetables , sunflower seeds , blueberries , and salmon are good sources of vitamin E , antioxidants , omega-3 fatty acids , and other nutrients that may help ward off dementias like Alzheimer ’ s disease , advises Sonas Home Health Care .
Anti-inflammatory foods : Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent inflammation that can cause cancer and rheumatoid arthritis . Aging . com says foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids , like salmon , should be consumed at least twice per week .
Fruits and vegetables : Fresh , canned or frozen produce tend to be high in micronutrients , including a variety of important vitamins that are essential for all components of health . The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises eating dark green vegetables , such as leafy greens or broccoli , and orange vegetables , such as carrots and sweet potatoes .
Energy-boosters : Choose whole grains that can provide sustained energy by
way of healthy carbohydrates over processed grains .
Bone-friendly foods : Calcium-rich foods , such as milk , yogurt and cheese , can prevent calcium from being leached from the bones , which contributes to conditions like osteoporosis .
Digestive system-friendly foods : The digestive system slows down as the body ages , as the walls of the gastrointestinal tract thicken and digestive contractions that push waste along may slow down and become fewer . Foods rich in fiber can promote proper digestion by moving food through the digestive
A Place of Comfort & Caring Created Especially for Today ’ s Seniors
Eating a variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients people need to stay healthy as they get older . Certain foods may be particularly helpful .
tract mor easily . High-fiber foods also may help naturally reduce blood cholesterol levels .
High-iron foods : Without enough iron in the body , a person may feel tired and lethargic from a reduced production of hemoglobin , which carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body . A lack of oxygen in body tissues from anemia can be serious , says the National Council for Aging Care . Tofu , spinach , lentils , pumpkin seeds and fortified breads and cereals are high in iron . Smart food choices can help seniors live long and healthy lives .
Dairyland Peach , October 18 , 2020 Page 17
Aging in place
How many times have we said or heard a loved on say “ I ’ ll never move from my home , you ’ ll have to carry me out .” According to AARP , 87 % of adults age 65 + want to stay in their current home and community as they age . That ’ s most people ’ s wish , but for many , that wish isn ’ t a possibility . But for others , it may be possible if they plan ahead . Just thinking that you want to stay in your home until you die won ’ t make it happen . To make it work you must plan and be willing to make and accept changes .
There are three areas of challenge that you should examine if you want to age in your home . One is physical challenges . As we age ( and none of can escape this fact ), our strength , flexibility , balance and endurance change . To keep these changes from causing falls or injury we need to remain active . The adage “ use it or lose it ” is still relative . Walk , bike , go to the gym , do whatever you can to keep moving . As soon as an injury occurs you ’ re risking your ability to live out your life in your home .
Another area to look at is our behavioral challenges . Do you demonstrate risky behavior ? Do you continue to climb ladders even if your balance isn ’ t as good as it used to be ? Do you keep saying “ I ’ ve always done it this way , and I ’ m not going to change ”? If so , you are your own worst enemy . Not willing to change or willing to accept the changes happening around you is a good indicator of a person that will eventually have to move out of their home for a “ safer ” place . Check yourself for attitude and listen to your body . If you ’ re uncertain about what to do , have the “ difficult conversation ” with your family .
The last area of challenge is our environment . Did you know that 75 % of all falls occur in or just outside your home . Our place of joy and comfort can easily become our demise . Look around your home through the eyes of a detective . Is there clutter on the steps and in the walkways ? Do you have handrails by all steps ? Do you have grab bars in the bathroom ? Are all areas well lite ? Are frequently used items placed in close range ? The little changes that you make in your home now can make the difference between “ aging in place ” or moving somewhere else .
For information about “ aging in place ” call Alternative Senior Care 1 ( 866 ) 352-3350 or visit www . al ternativeseniorcare . net
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• Sauk Centre 308 Oak Street ~ 320-352-7822
• Sartell 161 19th St . South , Suite 111 ~ 320-258-4494
Tree of Life Assisted Living in New Munich , the next best thing to being in your own home .
• Tree of Life runs on a unique flexible schedule
• Residents bring their own furniture , and decorate their own rooms
• Five levels of care from Level 1 - independent to Level 5 - hospice , and “ anywhere in-between
• 24 Hour care - All residents wear call pendants
• Special planned events
• Residents receive home cooked meals
• Staff of 15 includes CNAs and PCAs
• Tree of Life is a locked campus
632 Main Street New Munich
320-837-5100 www . treeoflifeassistedliving . com
ALTERNATIVE SENIOR CARE YOUR LOCAL RESOURCE FOR AGING IN PLACE
Aging Services Coordinators
• Help you and your family navigate the aging process In-Home Personal Assistants
• Provide homemaking , cooking , transportation , personal cares and much more Registered Nurses
• Perform medication management , monitor vitals & glucose levels , provide wound care and ostomy / catheter care
Call us today ! Find out how we can help you develop a plan to age in your home .
www . alternativeseniorcare . net Sauk Centre 866-352-3350 With offices in Sauk Centre and Alexandria