Tips for Taking a Fresh Approach to Senior Health

As you age, your metabolism slows down — that’s a fact. And though you should cut back on your caloric intake to avoid unhealthy weight gain and possible complications, seniors must continue bringing in the same amount of nutrients — or more — to stay healthy.

It might sound difficult to increase your nutrients while lowering the overall amount of calories consumed, but a few affordable, easy changes to your grocery list will have your body and mind feeling healthier than before. Get on track to a longer, nourished future with these few changes.

Explore Healthy Flipsides To Your Favorite Foods

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be hard, and getting rid of an item is usually the first step. Everyone has a favorite snack or meal for each time of the day. It’s something you buy at the grocery store even if you don’t really need it. Maybe it’s potato chips, soda, or cookies and milk.

Whatever your flavor, it’s usually the first thing that you can toss from your regular diet to cut calories and cost. Instead of spending money on soda, consider flavored water or tea instead. The empty calories can be used for more nourishing food full of nutrients you need, and the sugar and acid that would damage your teeth and gums is dramatically reduced.

If your downfall at the grocery store happens to be processed, rethink your bag of chips and opt for making your own or for carrots instead. Processed foods are packed with high amounts of sodium, sugar, and preservatives that your body won’t be able to break down and use.

Remember, Fresh Is Best

Spend your grocery money on fresh, whole foods that you can use to whip up easy snacks and meals for seniors. Your fixed income might seem much less restrictive when you buy whole, unprocessed foods, too. Save money without sacrificing nutrients.

Eggs are an amazing cost-effective source of protein and vitamin D, which seniors are increasingly at risk of being deficient in, according to ParentGiving. Not only are they cheap, but eggs are also low-calorie. Load up on essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber for a healthy gut. Fresh foods are full of probiotics and prebiotics that contribute to a healthy body and mind through the gut. Sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, beans and other high-fiber foods will help improve your gut health, where good and bad bacteria directly impact your physical and mental well-being. Though your microbiome is complicated and difficult to wrap your head around, a healthy gut has been shown to decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Keep your body, mind and bank account secure for years to come by eating fresh foods. Seek help online or in-person, and start feeling the effects of a healthy diet today. For those who have mobility issues, you can have meals delivered to your home via services like Meals on Wheels. As you start making changes, check-in with your doctor or a specialist to monitor progress.

Feel The Effects of Your Hard Work in Health

Get in touch with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re not missing out on vitamins or minerals you need to remain healthy. No matter how well-balanced and nutritious your diet may be, it’s possible something is missing, and a professional can help you determine any issues and next steps. Whether it’s your medication or supplement interacting with your food or you’re not taking the right multivitamin, additional help can get you into tip-top shape.

Before you start worrying about the cost of doctors or specialists, find out what your Medicare Advantage plan covers. Many of Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans provide access to wellness programs that can be beneficial to your health.

If you aren’t part of one of these plans, you could benefit from finding one that gives you additional support for your nutrition. Besides, it never hurts to see where help can come from in regards to your health. Family, friends, and caregivers are all great resources to help you finesse your nutritional health, whether they’re helping you shop or prep meals.

No matter how well you’re managing your nutrition, you can make progress. Figure out what’s missing today and go from there. Your body will thank you, and your mind will remember to do it.