It is a fact of life that as we age, our bodies change. Daily tasks like getting dressed in the morning, bathing, and generally moving around can become more challenging. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and introducing a light exercise regimen into your daily routine, however, can have a significant impact on your health. While this is true for everyone, there are various ways in which nutrition can help aging adults regain balance and strength, as well as improve memory. Your health is important to us, which is why we want to share a few nutrition tips with you.
First, it is important to eat the recommended daily dose of fruit and vegetables. According to the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), only 11 percent of older adults eat enough fruit and vegetables. Maintaining a healthy diet, as well as eating two cups of fruit and two to three cups of vegetables daily, has been proven to help aging adults decrease their risk of contracting chronic conditions such as hypertension, osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes. Our metabolisms slow down with age, so aging adults often do not need to consume as many calories to maintain their weight. Instead of calorie counting, try to make sure each meal you consume is healthy. The National Council on Aging suggests that a healthy meal should include fruits and vegetables, a lean protein like fish or chicken, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Once you have a healthy diet established, it is important to consider how much physical activity you are engaging in each week. Try to get into a routine of exercising at least three times per week. To help keep you motivated, start slowly and work up to your goals. If you have some physical limitations due to age or a health condition, simple exercises like lifting your hands and legs multiple times in a row can still be effective and help you stay active.
Most importantly, we encourage you to check-in with your doctor before changing your diet or starting a new exercise regimen. If you have a chronic health condition, your doctor can provide you with sound advice about the right diet and exercise regimens for your specific needs. If this article raises any questions for you or if you are ready to create a plan for your long-term care needs, do not hesitate to contact us.
