Following a healthy diet can boost overall health and increase longevity. Family caregivers need to know which nutrients are crucial so they can incorporate sources of these nutrients into their senior loved one’s diet. Here are some of the most important nutrients for older adults and the benefits each one provides.
1. Fiber
Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system. When your loved one consumes enough fiber, food will pass through his or her body with less difficulty. Beans, nuts, and oats are some of the foods seniors can eat to obtain fiber. The nutrient may also lower your loved one’s blood pressure levels and lead to better heart health.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior home care. Anchorage, AK, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Potassium
Potassium is vital to cell function. The nutrient can also lower the risk of kidney stones and prevent high blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of a stroke or heart attack. However, consuming potassium can help your loved one maintain normal blood pressure levels.
3. Calcium
Consuming calcium helps older adults strengthen their bones. Calcium intake often decreases with age, which is why family caregivers need to encourage their loved ones to add more of this nutrient to their daily diet. Calcium builds muscle strength, increases balance and flexibility, and reduces the risk of slips, falls, fractures, broken bones, and hip issues.
4. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 can keep your loved one’s metabolism, blood cells, and nerves healthy. Prepare foods rich in vitamin B12, and consult with a doctor about supplements your loved one can take. Lean meats, fortified cereals, and some seafood are good sources of vitamin B12.
Preparing nutritious meals can be difficult for family caregivers who have other important tasks to tend to. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Anchorage, AK, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
5. Folic Acid
Folic acid can lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly. Low folate blood levels often lead to poor cognitive performance, but consuming folic acid can preserve memory and boost mental function.
6. Magnesium
Magnesium increases muscle strength and fights against oxidative stress damage. When the cells in your loved one’s body are damaged, his or her risk of developing cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic conditions could increase. However, magnesium can fight against the free radicals in the body that cause oxidative damage.
7. Vitamin D
Vitamin D can help your loved one’s body absorb calcium better. As a result, he or she can maintain bone density and lower the risk of developing osteoporosis. Consuming high levels of this nutrient can also prevent vitamin D deficiency.
8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most important nutrients for seniors, and they can be found in nuts, fatty fish, kale, and olive oil. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids can help seniors lower the risk of developing diabetes, inflammation, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce the risk of arthritis and slow the progression of macular degeneration.
Some seniors need help switching to nutritious meals. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care. Anchorage Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. To learn about our premier in-home care plans, give us a call at (907) 770-0907 today.