Senior Nutrition: Tips to Keep You Healthier as You Age
Age is just a number. Right?
It’s true that we should never let our age, a simple number, get in the way of how we live our lives. But it’s also true that, as we age, our relationship with food becomes more important than ever.
Aches, pains, and stiffness ambush our bones and joints the older we get. And one of the ways we can combat this attack is to follow a few basic rules regarding nutrition.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at senior nutrition. And give you some tips to keep you healthier as you age.
Water, Water, and More Water
You’ve probably heard that hydration is one of the keys to a healthy body. But the idea of hydration is even more important for senior nutrition.
Water is essential to keep your joints in good working order. There is a little sac of fluid that fills the space inside your joints. This fluid helps lubricate the working parts of the joint and brings nutrients to the cartilage.
Dehydration causes these fluid sacs to shrink, like a dry sponge. And this, in turn, causes you more pain as you move. Your joints lack the lubrication they need to work properly. Drink plenty of water every day to prevent this from happening.
Read the Labels
In an ideal world, we’d only eat fresh foods like fruits, nuts, vegetables, and meat. But we all know that it’s not so easy to stick to such a strict diet. That’s why it’s important to read the labels on your food before you purchase.
Avoid foods with very few nutrients and lots of calories. As we age, we tend to lose our appetites. So it’s really important to eat foods that are nutrient-dense so we can get the most bang for our buck when it comes to calories.
Watch for sodium levels in the foods you buy. Salt causes high blood pressure. Try to get no more than 1500 milligrams of sodium per day.
Stick to foods that are lower in saturated fats. These are fats that are solid at room temperature like butter and lard. They contribute to poor arterial health and heart disease.
But don’t avoid fat altogether! Fat is an essential ingredient to healthy senior nutrition. Instead, opt for foods rich in unsaturated fats.
Also, be on the lookout for vitamins like B12 and Vitamin D. B12 helps with blood and brain health. While Vitamin D makes your bones stronger.
Try Spices, Not Salt
Keep an open mind to new ways of cooking. As we mentioned before, salt is no good when it comes to heart health. So instead of adding salt to your food to season it, try adding spices instead. You’ll get the added bonus of some of the great health benefits of spices.
Turmeric is a great option to flavor food because it has lots of anti-inflammatory properties. Basil tastes great with tomato dishes and it helps build immunity at the same time. Add ginger to tea or other foods to help settle a rocky stomach.
Cook your meat with a mix of rosemary and garlic. It’s delicious, and it helps fight infections and keep allergies at bay. And add cinnamon to sweeter dishes instead of adding an extra teaspoon of sugar.
The Importance of Senior Nutrition
Remember that you need your body just as much as it needs you. So treat it well by incorporating a few of our senior nutrition tips into your daily life. Your body will thank you for it!
At St. William’s Living Center, we’re dedicated to improving the lives of our residents through daily activities, morning coffee, and, of course, delicious food! Call us today to find out more about the services we offer.
