What you eat is important. It always has been. But it’s never been as crucial as it is right now.
I’m not talking about all the superfoods out there or magic diets, detox programs, or anything like that. I’m literally just talking about food in general. As you’ve gotten older, your body has changed, and to put it frankly, you’re just not who you used to be.
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It’s by no fault of your own. Age brings on challenges with digestion, nutrient absorption, and appetite. Let’s not forget about an increased risk for chronic illness or disease.
Because you’re naturally producing fewer antioxidants like CoQ10 and absorbing less of them from the diet, like vitamin B12, you’ve got to eat more to get enough. That’s why you’ll often see recommended nutrition intake go up a few hundred milligrams after age 70.
Of course, eating more can quickly turn into unwanted weight gain. Factor in the challenge that age usually coincides with a drop in appetite or ability to procure and prepare foods.
So, what can you do to make sure you’re getting adequate nutrition to help lower the risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and more? The answer is simple: do your best to eat as many nutrient-dense foods as you can.
Nutrient-dense food easily translates into fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. It can even include coffee. What it doesn’t, however, is candies, sweets, and frozen dinners.
Nutrient-dense foods are filling but provide just what you need to maintain optimal function, lower inflammation, and lower risk of illness.
In some cases, supplementation is worthwhile. This is particularly true for vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D.
Nutritional needs go up with age, and the risk for deficiencies do too. Talk to your doctor about supplementation, but do your best to eat a diverse, nutrient-dense array of whole foods.
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Food delivery services are worthwhile if you have trouble with mobility, and your budget allows. You can always ask a family member or neighbor for help too.
If you don’t like cooking or aren’t sure what to make, you could inquire about a meal delivery service. These companies deliver weekly ingredients for specific meals with full instructions. They are generally nutritious and couldn’t be easier to make.
Paying attention to your diet is of great importance in old age. If you plan on extending your life and enhancing its quality, don’t use age as an excuse to downplay poor decisions.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
