Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for many reasons. As we age, nutritional needs change in many ways. What we eat is a major factor in maintaining wellness. Keeping a balanced diet benefits your mental health, helps avoid chronic illnesses, and ensures lasting mobility. Although nutritional needs vary, there are a few staples that help support a stable diet and help to take control of your life.
Eating nutrient-rich foods provides not only vitamins, but necessary proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals needed in your diet. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, American adults do not get enough micronutrients. A lack of these foods can cause weight gain and heart health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. To avoid these risks, it is best to obtain calories from nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruit, beans, nuts, and lean protein. These foods and similar types are full of vitamins and antioxidants beneficial for heart and brain function.
A healthy digestive system is also imperative to maintain a well-balanced diet. The best foods to aid in digestion are those rich in fiber. Fiber, also referred to as roughage, is a plant-based nutrient. Although fiber is a carbohydrate, it is unique in its inability to be broken down into sugar molecules. This trait enables the fiber to benefit the body with blood sugar regulation, weight management, cholesterol maintenance, and much more. Dieticians also link diets containing fiber to longevity and a decrease in the risk of cancer.
Dehydration is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization for adults 65 and older. A few signs of dehydration to look out for are fatigue, lethargy, sunken eyeballs, and dry mouth. Staying hydrated is key to healthy balanced nutrition. It is important to drink fluids regularly to guarantee a healthy diet. Weight, activity levels, medication, and weather are all major factors in determining the amount of fluid one should consume. However, the average adult should aim to intake a minimum of one cup of water for every 20 pounds of weight daily. Simply put, many studies suggest, six to eight glasses of water are about the right amount for most seniors.
Diet, although important, is just one means to ensuring healthy living. Sleeping well, staying physically fit, and managing stress are all equally imperative in having the best overall health. At Village Park Senior Living, we ensure to provide our residents hearty healthy, and nutritious dining options. To find out more about our communities, feel free to reach out to us at (470) 509-4557.