Significant changes that happen as you age can greatly affect how your body processes the food you eat which could further influence your appetite and dietary needs. Ensure your overall well-being over time, by making smart, healthy choices.
Here are some of the changes every elderly will experience as she/he ages:
A Change Of Appetite
Various factors such as health issues and medication may cause changes in your appetite thereby you need someone to watch on the type the food you are eating every day.
As you get older, you need nutrient-dense foods packed with lots of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Your diet must include:
- Fruits and vegetables (choose a range of types with vibrant colors)
- Fat-free or low-fat milk and cheese, or rice milk that is fortified with vitamin D and calcium
- Beans, nuts, and seeds
- Seafood, lean meats, poultry, and eggs
You need to eat less of these foods:
- White bread, rice, and pasta made from refined grains
- Sugar-sweetened drinks and desserts that have added sugars
- Foods with butter, shortening, or other fats that are solid at room temperature
Elderly people are also more prone to dehydration, drinking plenty of water to stay energized and sharp is recommended.
Your Metabolism Slows Down
It’s normal that as your age, your metabolism slows down. However, it becomes more noticeable if you don’t exercise enough or you are not active enough. Once your metabolism slows down, you need to eat less since your body doesn’t burn as many calories. Doing this will help your body stay at a healthy weight.
Stay active. Have an exercise program approved by your physician. You can take long or short walks, look for aerobic or tennis class for senior, or do heavy housework or gardening. Remember that exercising can help alleviate depression, improve energy and memory, and contribute to overall health.
Possibility of Becoming Emotionally Affected
There are cases wherein lonely people suffer from depression which causes him/her to lose interest in eating. But in some cases, emotional issues become a driving factor for a person to eat more and gain unhealthy weight. These two situations are both harmful to your health.
May Have Concerns Related To Your Oral Health
Some elderly people suffer from dental problems that affect that way they chew their food. Choose soft and light foods so that you can easily eat them.
You Are Susceptible To Numerous Health Conditions
No matter how hard you try to be fit, time will come that your immunity system will go for a toss, thereby making you your body prone to various health issues, which may include cardiovascular diseases, cataract, diabetes, dementia, macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, and osteoporosis. Though there are natural ways to delay them, you can’t totally stop them.
You Need To Opt For Healthy Choices
Instead of using table salt, use fresh herbs and spices to season your foods. Some of the best choices that are loaded with flavors are turmeric, sage, cayenne pepper, basil, and rosemary.
