It’s not possible for anyone to completely stop or reverse the hands of time. That being said, there are some foods you can include in your senior loved one’s diet if you want to help him or her stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Today, we’re going to put the spotlight on some of the top anti-aging foods for older adults.
Vegetables
Eating vegetables is good for people of all ages. Veggies offer an abundance of cell-protecting antioxidants and nutrients that keep important systems in the body working efficiently. Especially beneficial anti-aging veggies for older adults include:
• Red bell peppers, which are full of vitamin C, a nutrient that may prevent wrinkles and helps white blood cells fight off germs
• Kale, a green leafy veggie loaded with vitamin K, which lowers cholesterol and blood pressure
• Eggplant, a high-fiber, low-calorie veggie that contains an anti-aging nutrient called nasunin that may prevent cancer cells from spreading
Walnuts
While seniors should avoid salty nuts, natural walnuts can be a delicious treat thanks to an abundance of muscle-building protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, walnuts could contribute to a more youthful brain. According to a study referenced by the National Institutes of Health, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of dementia by as much as 50 percent.
Avocados
Whether they’re served as guacamole or seared in a pan with skinless, boneless chicken, eating avocados can be a delicious way for seniors to get an upper hand in the battle against aging. Avocados contain an abundance of heart-friendly monounsaturated fatty acids and fiber, and they may even help with vision and digestion.
Professional caregivers can be wonderful sources 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 obtain this goal. Families can trust elder care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.
Berries
Encourage your loved one to eat more colorful berries. While blueberries are especially high in cell-protecting antioxidants, blackberries and strawberries have similar nutritional content. For a refreshing twist, serve your loved one some frozen acai berries.*
*Large amounts of acai berries may affect the efficacy of certain medications, so moderation is important with these berries.
Family caregivers also need to pay attention to their own health, and that involves self-care and taking time to nurture their own wellbeing. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Carmichael families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Red Wine
According to Verywell Health, there are more than 400 studies suggesting components in red wine (especially resveratrol) can have extensive health benefits, and Medical News Today has linked moderate red wine consumption to increased cardiovascular health. There’s also research suggesting red wine may prevent vision loss, boost omega-3 fatty acid levels, and keep the mind sharp.
Green Tea
Green tea has long been known for its health benefits. This tasty beverage may help seniors maintain a youthful healthiness because of the many antioxidants it contains. Better brain function, fat loss, and a reduced risk of cancer are a few other positive effects associated with green tea.
Melons
Along with being a delicious summer treat, watermelons are loaded with anti-aging nutrients and vitamins. Honeydew melons are also rich in nutrients, and they may lower blood pressure and enhance blood sugar control. Cantaloupes are an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, fiber, and potassium—all things the body needs to keep functioning well in the golden years.
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 in-home care. Carmichael 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 create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call at (916) 485-4663 today.