July is typically one of the hottest months of the summer in many areas of the country. While most people enjoy outdoor activities, such as picnicking, family parties, swimming, and gardening, it’s important to do so wisely. And to be aware that the risk for dehydration increases on hot and humid days, especially for older adults.
Nutrition plays a key role in overall health and well-being. A healthy diet keeps the immune system strong which aids in warding off viruses and disease. By contrast, a poor diet can contribute to falls and put you at higher risk for obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, and more. It’s important that seniors know how nutritional needs change with aging.
Since the COVID-19 crisis presents such a serious risk for seniors, a poor diet may be easy for family members to overlook. An older adult’s goal might be to stay home and avoid trips to the grocery store or farm stand. Even before concerns about the coronavirus caused so many seniors to self-isolate, an elder’s poor diet and malnutrition was a challenge many families faced.
Older adults are at higher risk for vision problems than their younger counterparts. From a detached retina to glaucoma, some age-related vision changes might be unavoidable. Others, however, may be prevented or delayed with good nutrition.
Can food choices help improve your memory? It’s a question researchers have been exploring. Some believe a diet including healthy amounts of certain foods may even help prevent or delay the onset of dementia.
Grocery shopping can take a real bite out of an older adult’s budget. With grocery stores getting bigger and carrying everything from clothing to housewares, it’s easy to see why. Staying on track with your budget and dietary goals requires careful planning. We have a few suggestions to make that a little easier.
When it comes to aging well, few factors are more important than what you eat. While a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent muscle loss, an unhealthy diet has the opposite effect.
Summer days often come with higher temperatures and humidity. It can be unappealing to heat up the kitchen by cooking. Many people also find heavy meals less appetizing. Fresh salads packed with fruits and vegetables can be a more tempting choice at mealtime.