Nutrition for Seniors Over 65
Benistar has always been known to promote the health and rights of our clients. While we are usually involved in the medical benefits and prescription benefits of our senior clients, we wanted to touch on healthy nutrition for seniors. Food is the first line of defense when it comes to preventative medicine, and eating a healthy diet can prolong and improve the quality of your life. Take it from Hippocrates: “If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have the safest way to health”.
A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet generally means the same thing as it did when you were 25: healthy choices are often easy to come by, but hard to adhere to. You should incorporate more fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meats, beans (legumes), plenty of water, and whole grains into your diet. Certain exceptions should be made to fit your unique dietary needs, exceptions that can include food intolerances, mineral/vitamin deficiencies, and food allergies. The biggest thing to watch out for in older age is foods high in sodium and processed sugar; too much of either of these substances can lead to hypertension and other chronic health diseases. A good rule of thumb: if it didn’t come from the earth, try to limit your consumption as best as possible.
Diet Tips for Seniors
Without healthy food and beverage choices, you are at an increased risk for chronic diseases, including different types of cancers, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and even anxiety and depression. Eating a healthy dinner with other fellow seniors can also reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation that many people experience in older age.
Follow these health tips to look and feel your best:
–Water: drink eight to ten cups (8oz.) of water per day to stay hydrated. A common problem among seniors is dehydration, so don’t let that happen to you!
–Switch out your butter and margarine for healthier fats such as avocado, olive oil, and coconut oils.
–Limit your salt intake. This includes adding salt to your meals and buying foods high in sodium.
–Limit your alcohol intake. Studies suggest that 1-2 drinks a day should be the maximum.
-You’ll want to limit foods high in saturated fats, such as potato chips, pizza, fast food chains, cakes, pies, processed meats, biscuits, and cakes.
–Eat more naturally healthy foods such as eggs, fish, nuts and seeds, cheese and milk (reduced fat), leafy green vegetables, and fruits.
–Try incorporating more fiber into your diet, either via your food choices or a supplement. Foods high in fiber include legumes, vegetables, and whole grain bread or pasta.
–If you have a deficiency in a certain vitamin or mineral, consider taking a supplement to help your body perform its best. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new regimen.
Post 65 Group Retiree Medical Benefits
We are a nationwide leader in group retiree medical benefits that is committed to the best overall health for our clients. We design, implement and administrate retiree medical and prescription drug plans for companies and organizations that span a wide variety of industries. If you would like to learn more about our group retiree medical benefits and packages, give us a call today at 1-(800)-236-4782 or visit our contact page today!
