When we start growing older, we start lacking essential physical energy, nutrients and natural immunity. This may result in weakness, fatigue, several illnesses and overall failing health. Though it is quite common for older adults to develop specific health conditions such as high BP, increased level of cholesterol, diabetes or neuro-problems like hysteria or dementia, the intensity or the negative impact of these can be slackened with proper healthy lifestyle and diet.
However, eating a certain type of food won’t directly help you cure a disease or prevent dementia just like that, but a healthy diet packed with nutritious foods does have its own good impact. There are specific foods which are well recommended by experienced aged carers in Sydney. These can benefit those elderly coping with their health and memory if they’re consumed as part of daily lifestyle.
So, feel unsure about which foods should be on your elderly’s diet list? Here are the top 9 foods that older adults should be having to have a much healthier life.
Apples
The saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’ is not at all to be neglected. Apples work like gems for those older adults who are finding it hard to maintain their blood sugar levels or who have high cholesterol. The apples contain soluble fibre which help lower bad cholesterol and balance the level of glucose in blood. These are also rich in vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants essential for strong immunity.
Green Vegetables
According to a study published in the Annals of Neurology, leafy greens vegetables like spinach, broccoli, turnip greens, Romaine lettuce, Brussels sprouts have been known to lower the levels of cognitive decline as people age.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is considered a good food to have for all agers. It is full of protein and contain digestion-friendly probiotics. As it’s quite low in sugar, older people with elevated blood sugar level can intake quite easily. It’s also rich in calcium for bone health.
Eggs
Eggs are quite popular companion in our breakfast. These are easy to incorporate into a meal as they are full of protein. They also contain choline, which is a B vitamin that benevolent in sharpening memory and encourages stress management.
However, those older adults who are suffering from high cholesterol should avoid the egg-yolk. Instead they can consume the white part (albumen) which contains fully cholesterol-free.
Berries
Most of the berries and dark-skinned fruits are known to have rich antioxidants which help fight damaging free radicals in the body. Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, oranges, plums, pomegranates, red grapes and cherries are all good options for older adults. These also help building good immunity.
Asparagus
Another beneficial food for older adults is asparagus. It’s a good source of essential minerals. The element called Lycopene, for example, can prevent prostate enlargement (which is quite tentative in older persons). Besides, Vitamin A in it boosts the immune system and eye health, while fibre helps in reduction of bad cholesterol and contributes to a healthy heart.
Sea Foods
Fishes like salmon, tuna are good immunity booster. Shellfishes like crab, oysters and scallops are rich in iron, zinc, magnesium potassium and vitamin B12, all of which are beneficial for brain function.
Dark Chocolate
It is probably the happiest news to the chocolate lovers as your chocolate habit might actually be good for your health including for the older people. Dark chocolate is full of flavonoids and antioxidants which are good at preventing heart attacks. Besides it also lowers blood pressure and subsequently decrease the risk of stroke.
However, irrespective of your age, it is always good to consume in moderate limit.
Coffee
This may be a surprizing inclusion in the list but If you drink coffee, you will have certain benefits for sure. Limited consumption of coffee can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, heart and respiratory diseases, stroke, diabetes and infections. So, if you are an older adult and not suffering from certain health issues, then coffee can be one of good the energy boosting drink for you.
At OSAN Ability, our residential aged care facilities provide residents with a variety of nutritious foods based on their individual needs.
In case you are concerned about the well being of your familiar ones and want more information do feel free to contact us today.
