Obviously, consuming the correct amounts of lean meats, fruit and vegetables, and healthy carbohydrates is necessary for a long and healthy life, regardless of an individual’s age.
However, aging adults, especially those over the age of 75, should pay special attention to ensure they are taking in the right amounts of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to provide them with the best quality of life as they get older.
With this in mind, here for your information is a guide to the importance of eating healthily if you are over 75.
Energy Boosts
There is by no means any suggestion that your natural energy levels deplete as you get older, but this may be the case in some older adults. As a result, it is crucial to ensure you eat healthy foods that are packed with natural sources of energy. Foods with high levels of nutritional value will provide you with a higher quality of energy.
Such foodstuffs can include:
- Oatmeal
- Porridge
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Fish
- Dark Chocolate
- Watermelon
- Greek Yoghurt
- Walnuts
Healthy Eyes
Eating the right types and quantities of foods that contribute to strong and healthy eyesight is one of the most important things for older adults to ensure they are doing. Foods that are naturally rich in antioxidants, such as bilberries, blackcurrants, and blueberries, can be eaten on their own as a snack, or else over cereal, muesli, or partnered with ice cream or yogurt.
Additionally, the old adage that carrots may help you see in the dark isn’t entirely inaccurate. Carrots contain substances such as beta carotene and lutein, both of which are natural antioxidants that can protect against degenerative age-related issues. The human body converts beta carotene into vitamin A, which is a nutrient that directly improves one’s eyesight in low levels of light.
Chewing & Swallowing Difficulties
If you or your aging loved one has either been diagnosed with dysphagia or else has started to have trouble with chewing and swallowing their food or drink, then there are actions you can take to help with this. Then, one of the most helpful products to invest in is a quality thickener such as Simply Thick liquid thickener, which works by slowing down the chewing action giving the body more time to process swallowing.
A Healthy & Varied Diet
Obviously, this guide is not attempting to discourage you from having a slice of cake as and when you fancy. Still, it does serve to encourage you to balance your diet and calorie intake, eating from all the different food groups every single day.
Following a balanced and healthy diet as an older adult will result in greater cognitive accuracy, reduce anxiety and stress levels, boost general feelings of happiness and contentment, and provide the body with enough energy to live every day to the maximum.
It is important to try and work through any difficulties relating to eating to best follow a healthy diet and look after one’s body from the inside. Healthy eating is essential at any age, but it is particularly important as you get older.