Nutrition Is An Important Part Of Senior Living

Good nutrition is an essential part of keeping healthy. It gives our bodies the strength we need to stay active and if we do become ill, it helps speed thehealing process. Maintaining a proper diet can be hard, especially with the distraction of busy lives and convenience foods. A diet high in fat can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, some types of cancer and high blood pressure. Studies comparing the links between dietary patterns and health have found that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been associated with the prevention of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U. S.

Good nutrition, including a diet that is low in saturated fats and contains five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day is vital in maintaining good health. Fruits and vegetables (with the exception of avocados, olives and coconut) are naturally low in fat. A healthy diet can also help to prevent a number of other ailments that frequently affect older individuals. For example, making sure that you get enough calcium can slow the weakening of bones that occurs with age, thereby reducing the risk of fractures or breaks. Making sure you drink enough water and consume adequate amounts of fiber can help prevent constipation.

As you age you may notice a loss of appetite. Decreased appetite may result from a slower metabolism rate. As people age, most use less energy, or calories, than they did in younger years. That’s because many older adults live less active lifestyles. By age 75, about one in three men and one in two women do not engage in any physical activity. Being more active can improve the appetite, and exercise (even moderate exercise like walking) provides a variety of health benefits.

Regular physical activity greatly reduces a person’s risk from dying of heart disease, and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Physical activity also helps to control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and can decrease the need for hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications. Many elderly people have great access to exercise programs at their local recreational and assisted adult living communities.

Finally, physical activity does not need to be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from moderate physical activity. Before starting an exercise program, you should consult with your physician. It’s important to start slowly and increase your activity gradually. The trick is to find activities you truly enjoy. This way, you’ll actually look forward to your daily routine. After a few weeks, it may even become habit-forming.

Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods and being physically active can prevent or control the devastating effects of many of the nation’s leading causes of death regardless of one’s age.

Assisted living marketing services are provided by 800seniors.com a leading referral system in the assisted living industry. For more information, please visit Centenarians or call 1-800-768-8221. Sky Palma is a freelance staff writer.