Nutrition is important at any age, but especially for the elderly. Seniors are at risk for several health conditions that can cause serious issues down the line without proper prevention. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your overall well-being and promote healthy aging as you transition into senior living.
Special Nutritional Needs
Seniors have special nutritional needs that set them apart from other age groups. After most people turn 70, they require higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals to preserve their physical health. For example, increased consumption of vitamin D and calcium becomes essential to maintain bone density. Fortunately, these vitamins are easy to add to your diet. To up your calcium intake, focus on lean dairy products and leafy green vegetables. Vitamin D can be found in foods like salmon and eggs. You can also choose to take a multivitamin that contains the recommended daily dosage of these vitamins.
Disease Prevention
Proper nutrition is paramount to preventing the onset of diseases, both mental and physical. Older adults often have a higher risk of developing health issues like heart disease and diabetes. These conditions can have a serious impact on your quality of life and even impact your life expectancy. In addition, aging can reduce your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. By ensuring that you are ingesting all the vitamins your body needs, you can protect yourself and enhance your overall well-being.
Add and Subtract
Just as it’s important to add the right foods to your diet, it’s also a good idea to cut out the less nutritious choices. Excessive consumption of compounds like sodium, refined sugars, and saturated fats can lead to high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. It’s perfectly fine to indulge occasionally but be sure to do so in moderation and supplement your diet with the vitamins you need to stay healthy.
Healthy Aging at Twin Town Villa
At Twin Town Villa assisted living community, our home-cooked meals encourage healthy aging and allow you to enjoy your life while simultaneously preserving your health. For more information on our community or to schedule a tour of our beautiful grounds, call 218.643.9542 or contact us here.