Healthy Eating for Seniors

It’s no secret that things change as we get older. Physical tasks that we once performed effortlessly now take a little more time, and we’re likely to be sore the next day. The same is true with our diets. Our metabolism slows as we age, meaning we need fewer calories. However we also need more calcium to fight the loss of bone density and more fiber to stay regular. It’s tough to recognize these changing needs, which is one reason why nearly one in four older adults have poor nutrition.

A well-balanced diet is an important part of staying healthy as we get older. While our appetites tend to diminish, our nutritional requirements stay the same. That means we need to do more with less. Nutrient rich foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can supply many of these requirements without the added bulk.

Our immune system weakens as we get older, so it’s important to give it a boost. Foods like citrus, broccoli, garlic and ginger can bolster our immunity. Meanwhile we’ll want to avoid things like mayonnaise and raw eggs.

Like it or not, as we grow older we become more susceptible to chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. While no diet can completely prevent the onset of these conditions, avoiding excess calories, processed foods and foods high in sodium and sugar can definitely help.

Eating right doesn't have to be complicated. Eating a variety of foods from all food groups can help supply the nutrients we need as we age and make sure we get to enjoy our golden years.