As we age, paying attention to what we eat becomes increasingly essential. The food choices we make and the eating habits we build play a significant role in maintaining our physical and mental health, as well as our overall well-being. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help seniors feel more energetic, reduce their risk of chronic diseases, and even improve their mood. In this blog, we’ll explore how eating healthy can help with aging and provide some tips for seniors and their caregivers to stay on track with their healthy eating goals.
How Does Eating Healthy Help With Aging?
1. Reduce the Risk of Chronic Diseases
One of the most significant benefits of eating a healthy diet is reducing the risk of chronic diseases. As we age, our risk of developing conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer increases. However, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and quality sources of protein can help keep these chronic health conditions at bay.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for seniors, as obesity can increase the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help seniors maintain a healthy weight, as long as they’re consuming the appropriate number of calories for their age, height, and physical activity level.
In general, seniors should focus on eating nutrient-dense foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, as well as healthy fats. These foods are high in fiber and protein, which can help seniors feel full and satisfied without overeating.
3. Improve Mood and Mental Health
Eating a healthy diet free of foods with added sugars can also improve mood and mental health. Studies have shown that consuming a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults.
Additionally, some foods are known for their mood-boosting properties. For example, dark chocolate contains compounds that can improve mood and reduce stress. And foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish, can improve brain function, reduce the risk of cognitive decline and promote healthy aging.
At Nye Health Services, we’re here to help you and your loved ones with proper senior nutrition, along with a host of other senior health services. Contact us to see how our team can help celebrate you live a happy and healthy life.
Additional Information: Nutrition as We Age: Healthy Eating with the Dietary Guidelines
Nye Health Services | Award-Winning Senior Living Facilities & Services
Nye Health Services was established in 1989 on the philosophy that older adults deserve services that recognize the individual and are tailored to their unique needs. As a company, we do not aspire to be the largest, instead, we aim to uphold our mission by providing award-winning health services that make our residents feel genuinely cared for and connected while realizing life’s joy.
If you are searching for a senior living community, explore one of our three locations in Fremont (Nye Legacy, Nye Square, & Nye Pointe), Norfolk (The Meadows), and Lincoln, Nebraska (Gateway Vista). Each campus provides award-winning health and wellness services, comfortable apartments and/or suites, with numerous amenities to help you live life to the fullest!