From enhancing physical and mental health to boosting immune system functions, supplements provide many benefits for seniors. If you’re caring for an older parent, help your elderly loved one find a healthy and safe balance with the nutrients he or she needs to enjoy these benefits by checking with his or her doctor. Below are some of the top supplements to ask your parent’s physician about.
Zinc
The immune system naturally decreases with age, which increases the risk of developing infectious diseases. If your loved one isn’t getting sufficient amounts of zinc from food sources alone and you have concerns about his or her susceptibility to serious illnesses, ask the doctor about zinc supplements. Zinc also helps with wound healing while enhancing the sense of taste and smell.
Taking zinc supplements is just one of the many ways older adults can increase their chances of staving off certain illnesses. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of elderly care. Rocklin Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supplements can offer a wide range of benefits, some of which include lowering the risk of depression and reducing the risk of developing age-related bone issues like osteoporosis. There’s also evidence suggesting maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels may reduce the risk of developing cancer later in life.
B12
If your parent isn’t getting enough B12 from fish, liver, low-fat dairy products, and other natural sources, B12 supplements can fill the gap. B12 can also help with cognitive health. Also, it may lower your loved one’s risk of having issues with age-related macular degeneration, a common and serious eye problem for older adults.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional in-home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Vitamin C
A vitamin C deficiency can be especially dangerous for seniors since it can contribute to low blood sugar. If your parent’s doctor gives the okay, vitamin C supplements may also help your loved one enjoy a healthier immune system, heal better and more productively, absorb more iron, and maintain bone and cartilage.
Magnesium
Lactic acid buildup is a common issue for older adults. If magnesium levels are too low, this issue may become more noticeable. For example, post-workout pain and tightness is one possible result from lactic acid accumulation. Magnesium supplements could also give your parent more energy and strength. Lower blood pressure, better diabetes management, and reduced inflammation are among the other benefits attributed to this mineral.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tablets
Bone, joint, brain, heart, dental, and digestive health can all be affected by inflammation in one way or another. Apple cider vinegar tablets taken as a supplement can reduce the type of tissue swelling that contributes to aches, pains, chronic conditions, or problems with the ability to move and get around well. Skin health may be enhanced as well with apple cider vinegar tablets.
Calcium
If your parent isn’t getting enough calcium from diet alone, see if the doctor recommends calcium supplements. The best-known benefit of sufficient calcium for seniors is increased bone strength and stability. However, calcium supplements may also help older adults by boosting heart and muscle functions. There’s additional research suggesting calcium provides added protection against cancer and reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
In addition to taking doctor-approved supplements, there are several other steps aging adults can take to remain healthy and independent while aging in place. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Rocklin, CA, seniors can depend on. To schedule a no-obligation consultation, give us a call today at (916) 226-3737.