A healthy diet for elders is very important to allow for living the best quality life. Regency Home Care Atlanta wants to ensure that senior care in Atlanta includes making sure proper nutrition and a healthy diet is part of Atlanta elderly care.
The components that constitute a healthy diet seems to change with passing trends and research. What you thought was healthy may actually not be the best thing for you. As your loved ones age, they begin to absorb vitamins and minerals with less efficiency. Also, aging adults often have ailments, conditions, and medications that call for specific dietary needs. In the elderly, there are certain vitamins and minerals that are more important now than they were during youth or before being prescribed medicine for a chronic condition.
As a general rule of thumb, a healthy diet for the elderly needs to consist of calcium for strong bones. Broken bones occur due to osteoporosis. Taking in 20 percent or more calcium is very important, especially in those over the age of 50. This could be as easy as increasing the amount of yogurt, cheese, or milk. Keep in mind that for calcium to be properly absorbed into the body, you will also need vitamin D. Vitamin D also boosts the immune system. A few minutes of sunlight exposure every day is a great way to get enough Vitamin D. Oily fish is another Vitamin D-packed source.
Vitamin B12 and B6 are also important. They help maintain quality of blood and nerve cells and boost the immune system to be able to fight off germs. Vitamin B6 also helps with memory function in the elderly.
Nuts, leafy greens, and seeds are a great way to get plenty of magnesium. Magnesium helps to regulate blood sugar. Many medications that are prescribed to aging individuals deplete magnesium levels. Adding that back into the diet is essential.
Omega 3 fatty acids are so necessary in aging individuals to help stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s. The human body does not make Omega 3 fatty acids by itself, so it relies upon diet. These important fatty acids are found in fish, flax seed, canola oil, and walnuts.
Zinc is great for boosting the immune system, and elderly people do not get enough. Selenium is another important piece of healthy nutrition for boosting immunity as well as helping to protect the thyroid from disease, and may stave off dementia. Brazil nuts are a great way to get the necessary selenium.
Potassium can be found in bananas, spinach, yogurt, and milk. It is important to help with vital organ function and to regulate blood pressure. It also is helpful to replenish potassium that is depleted by certain medications.
Fiber is very important as you age to help protect against stroke, controlling cholesterol, and balancing blood sugar. Iron is important for maintaining overall health.
The best diet for an elderly person should be personalized, but overall should consist of these essential components with a varied diet of all of the food groups. Each meal or snack needs to consist of correct nutrition with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, eggs, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, or poultry. Sodium, salt, saturated or trans fats, and added sugars should be monitored.
Contact us for more information on private duty and personalized home care in Atlanta. We are your partner in elder care Atlanta to help your aging loved ones stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Regency Home Care Atlanta also helps with safe, reliable transportation to health-related appointments and procedures, running errands, and preparing nutritious meals.
You can count on the trusting and caring team of in-home senior care Atlanta for personalized care. Get individualized assistance for your aging loved one. Call the experts in elder care Atlanta at Regency Home Care. Dial (678) 999-2446 to learn more today!