As soon as you turn sixty years old, it feels as if there is a sizeable shift in terms of the types of holiday brochures coming through the door and the urgency with which you are encouraged to apply for a bus pass.
Contrary to what companies appear to believe, life is arguably much more relaxing, fun-filled, and generally life-enhancing for older people than for the young, but no matter how carefree you feel, you always need to take care of your health.
With that being said, read on to learn of three key nutrition and healthy food tips for older adults.
1. Consume More Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral for people of all ages, but for older adults and especially for those who have been diagnosed with the onset of arthritis, it is important to increase the quantity of calcium you consume in your diet.
Foods high in calcium, such as leafy greens (apart from spinach), cheese, milk, and other milk-based beverages like almond and soy milk, will go a long way to help strengthen your bones, teeth, and hair.
For women, after the menopause, you are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, which is another reason to increase the volume of milk on your morning bran flakes!
2. Embrace Antioxidants
Antioxidants are, essentially, the antidotes to molecules within your body whose job is to destabilize your cells, which can then lead to a wide number of potential health problems.
Should you be in the process of or considering moving to one of the high-end and respected care homes in Exeter, one of the outstanding benefits of residing in such an establishment is the tailor-made meal plans and intense focus on ensuring individual dietary requirements are always met.
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes are all plenty-rich in antioxidants, which will not only fight against cell destabilization but also provide your body with the following:
- A way of maintaining smooth and elasticated skin
- Good eye health with a reduced chance of experiencing eye issues
- Reduction in inflammation of problematic muscles and tendons
- A method of protecting your body against seasonal colds and flu
- Boosts to your general mental health
- A reduction in oxidative stress
3. Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet
Another top tip when it comes to reframing your diet and eating habits to better support your body is to include a great deal more omega-3 fatty acids.
There are a number of reasons why, but predominantly, this is due to the undeniable link between good levels of omega-3 and slower rates of cognitive decline and, specifically, a reduction in the chance of developing neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Luckily, there is a wide array of tasty, affordable, and easy-to-prepare sources of omega-3 fatty acids, including fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, and tuna, as well as most seeds and nuts.
In addition, getting into the habit of cooking with oils, specifically flaxseed (linseed) oil, would also be of enormous benefit.