Aging is a natural process. However, by choosing the right foods, seniors have the chance to prevent many of the common problems that accompany aging. By consuming certain foods on a regular basis, seniors provide their bodies with the fuel needed to function along with protecting cells, tissues, and organ systems from untimely damage.
1. Berries
Bright red, blue, and purple berries contain chemical compounds known as flavonoids, which act as powerful antioxidants. The compounds interfere with the potentially damaging effects of free radicals that circulate throughout the body. Antioxidants have also been proven to protect the skin from sun damage and harm from environmental pollution. Berries also provide much-needed fiber in addition to vitamins A and C.
2. Dairy Products
Low-fat or fat-free dairy products contain calcium and vitamin D, which are necessary for the health and maintenance of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. The nutrients are needed to maintain the strength and density of bones. Calcium also plays a vital role in enabling muscles to expand and contract.
Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of support for seniors who need help getting proper nutrition. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust at-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
3. Eggs
Eggs are low in calories and fat while being considered a complete protein. Egg yolks contain carotenoid compounds called lutein and zeaxanthin, which are necessary for maintaining visual health because they reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. The compounds also protect the eyes against damage from UV light and free radicals.
4. Garlic
Along with being a popular seasoning in many dishes, garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that protect seniors from potentially serious infections. The herb reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes by ensuring blood flows freely without abnormal clotting. Garlic also reduces inflammation throughout the body.
Making sure your aging parent gets proper nutrition can be challenging. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Rocklin, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
5. Oatmeal
Rolled oats are a rich source of fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal function and health. Consuming the common grain daily has been shown to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, and respiratory illness.
6. Oranges
The high water content in this popular citrus fruit keeps cells properly hydrated. The vitamin C in oranges is essential for the formation of collagen, which is necessary for the health of joints and skin. Vitamin C is known to bolster the immune system and increase the body’s resistance to common seasonal illnesses. The nutrients in oranges also support visual health.
7. Salmon
Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are needed to prevent inflammation and encourage normal blood-clotting function. The fatty acids also protect fragile neurons so seniors can enjoy optimal cognitive health.
8. Tomatoes
These common garden fruits are low in calories and fat while being a rich source of vitamin C, fiber, and a compound called lycopene. Lycopene protects the skin from UV damage, which causes premature skin aging. The versatile tomato is also easily incorporated into a variety of dishes.
A trained professional caregiver can be an ideal resource when you’re trying to help your loved one lead a healthier lifestyle. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare. Rocklin families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (916) 226-3737 today.