How Does Honey Keep Older Adults Healthy?

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The Many Ways Honey Helps Seniors Stay Healthy in Anchorage, AK

Honey has been touted as a superfood for centuries, and modern science now backs up this view. Research indicates honey may be especially beneficial for people over 65. Here are a few ways honey can increase a senior’s health.

Stimulates Memory

Researchers at the University of Waikato in New Zealand found rats given honey had better memory retention as they aged than those that weren’t fed honey. Aging in humans is associated with memory impairment for a great number of people, but eating honey may be an easy and natural method for mitigating this problem. 

If your loved one has memory impairment due to Alzheimer’s or another form of age-related dementia, a home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Anchorage families can turn to Home Care Assistance. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs.

Reduces Anxiety

In the same study, rats fed honey appeared less anxious than those that ate no honey. Many things can cause anxiety in seniors, including increased health problems, memory impairment, and caring for ailing spouses. Reducing anxiety is an important part of maintaining a high quality of life, and honey may be the solution to this concern.

Suppresses Coughs

A study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews assessed evidence from multiple studies testing honey as a cough suppressant and determined it to be effective. Seniors cough for a number of reasons, such as chronic lung issues, allergies, and colds, and coughing can interfere with a senior’s sleep quality and overall quality of life. Honey is a natural solution and can be used long-term to relieve coughing. 

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. 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.

Boosts Gastrointestinal Health

Honey has antibacterial properties, and some purified forms of honey have been effective in treating MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant infections. For this same reason, honey may be helpful for seniors with ulcers or other gastrointestinal issues. Honey can also serve as a source of probiotics, also known as good bacteria, which are especially important for seniors who take medications that reduce their natural gut flora. 

A home caregiver can help your loved one make healthy choices that enhance his or her quality of life. In Anchorage, elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (907) 770-0907.

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