Elder Care Spotlight: The Elderly Diet For Health & Longevity...

Elderly people slow down, move less, and eventually do less and less for themselves. Meal planning and preparing, and grocery purchasing can be big topics of concern when they stop driving or being able to cook and clean up after themselves. Food is medicine, and the everyday meal choices can be significant factors in preventing malnutrition, heart problems, digestive issues, cognitive problems, diabetes, inflammation, constipation, or undesired weight gains or losses.

To begin with, hydration is key. A large sippy cup of water (6-8 cups full a day) is vital, along with herbal teas, fresh juices, electrolytes, vitamin water, or water-rich foods can help to keep them hydrated. Protein is important in helping maintain muscle mass. Legumes, tofu, eggs, lean meats, and fish can be good sources of protein for an elderly person to eat. Fiber is crucial in keeping the bowls moving, and whole grains, fruits, legumes, and other veggies are perfect sources of healthy fiber. Carbohydrates are the least important for elderly people because they use less energy. They should avoid white sugar, white bread, and soft drinks filled with sugar or chemicals, and eat more whole grains, veggies, and fruits. Heart-healthy fats like fish, nuts, seeds, avocados, and certain oils are okay, but saturated and trans fats should also be avoided. Supplements of Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Iron, Potassium, and Magnesium can also be helpful in maintaining strong bones, muscles, nerves, heart, and cognitive brain function.

Our elder years are not about indulgences. Yes, we may have retired in order to be on permanent vacation, but our primary job is to care for ourselves and nurture our entire being with gentleness and Love. Moderate meals that avoid processed foods and excess salts or sweets, but have a lot hydration are the best bet. As soon as we notice issues with digestion, chewing or swallowing, appetite loss or weight gain, then we need to re-evaluate the current nutritional program and make the necessary changes to help bring things back to harmony. Food is a wonderful tool to charge the body with healing energy and nourishment, and it can make a monumental difference in the quality and quantity of our days left on the Earth. Eat for life, longevity, and self-healing at all phases of life, but especially when in the elder years, and enjoy the blessings that manifest from conscious eating.