We’ve all heard about a 105 year old woman. I usually live somewhere in France and drink a bottle of red wine every day before smoking a cigar and eating a chocolate cake. You may have read and thought about her.It will be me when I get older – I don’t have to worry about what I eat at all! ”
If you were looking after your heart and set in a decadent old age, you might want to slow that (dinner) roll. According to medical and nutrition experts, what you eat continues to be important, even in your golden age. In fact, eating well may be more important when you get older.
All you need is calories. What you need more are nutrients.
According to Disease Prevention and Health Promotion BureauMost elderly people have low calorie needs, but nutritional needs are similar or even more increasing compared to younger adults.
“It’s especially important for this age group to chew every bite following a healthy dietary pattern,” the office said. Therefore, according to Mayo Clinic registered dietitians, Katherine Zelatsky“Elderly people need to be considerate about how calories are also nutrient concentrations.”
But why in the world, when you finish the eruption of their growth and reproductive year, do you need you? more Nutrients? “The elderly do not absorb vitamins or minerals,” he explained. Dr. Sean Ormond. “You need more calcium, vitamin D, and B12. It’s like keeping your body higher. And it’s a little more important with each bite.”
Even if you’re getting enough (or sufficient) calories, poor quality choices can affect your health. “Frankly, malnutrition will kill someone faster than heart disease,” the registered dietitian said. Lisa Hugh.
You probably need more fiber, hydration and protein.
Many experts have ordered a shortage of “big 3” seen in older patients. “Protein, fiber and hydration often go through cracks,” he said. Mackenzie BurgessRegistered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Butcher’s Bone Soup Partner.
“You don’t need a lifetime of perfect diet to be worth it. Start now and you’ll feel the difference.”
– Dr. Sean Ormond
Some doctors are fully aboard Team Fiber. Dr. Supriya Raoa board certified doctor for internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. She hopes she can scream “fiber, fiber, fiber” from the rooftop. Recommended daily fiber intake For people over 60, men are 30 grams and women are 21 grams, but patients are not attaining that goal. “Most Americans don’t get that recommended nutritional value (RDA) of fiber,” she explained. Elderly people can miss out on fiber due to issues like appetite, access to certain foods, fixed income, and dental health. ”
Dr. Asim Cheemapeople who specialize in internal medicine and heart disease will notice both the fiber and hydration problems of many patients. “If you don’t eat enough fiber, you can cause constipation and cholesterol. One thing I see often is that older people don’t drink enough water. They don’t feel thirsty, so they just let their minds slip.
FlashPop via Getty Images
Next is the protein problem. As you get older, you are already facing a loss of muscle mass, but that’s a concern, even if you’ve never built your body. According to Dr. Shawn George“Muscle loss can lead to weakness, falls and reduced mobility. To combat this, protein actually needs to increase with age, as it helps maintain muscle mass and strength.
“As older patients, rather than relying on a single protein-rich diet, they aim to get 1.2 grams of weight per kilogram of protein per day for people over a day, so they are targeted to maintain their weight per day, whenever possible.”
All bites are important, these experts said. Dr. Tamia Evansphysicians and diabetics suggested that older adults should focus on shocking foods. She used natural peanut butter as an example. “It is a great source of healthy fats, sugar, calories, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Instead of focusing on weight, focus on strength instead.
In addition to nutrition, there is also weight issues. Luckily there may be some good news from Rao. “Being fit is actually better with longevity than thinner,” she said. “As you get older, you want to focus on maintaining strength and mobility, not just your weight. Make sure it’s important to maintain lean muscle mass as you age.”
“The body may not bounce back like it used to, but it is still very responsive to care, especially when it gives better fuel.”
– Dr. Raj Dasgupta
“I’m not obsessed with scale, but I’m still continuing to have a stronger problem than ever,” Burgess said. “It’s not about the weight of your target, it’s about keeping your heart, muscles and joints in tip shape.”
A few more pounds might be a good idea, he said. Dr. Elaine Healyvice president of medical care and medical director of United Hebrew Aged Centre. “As we get older, we emphasize that having some healthy fat stores is actually protective. It’s important not to fear a few pounds, especially for older women who have naturally slowed down their lives. It’s not about promoting obesity, but ensuring that they have enough reserves to withstand health challenges.”
If you’ve never eaten well, should you start now?
Janet Feela registered nurse specializing in the complex care of people with challenges related to aging, said that at any age, they can start eating better and feel better. “It may boost your energy and immune system and help you live longer,” she said. “It’s never too late to treat your body better. I promised patients in the ’70s and ’80s that they would improve inflammatory markers, cognitive clarity, mobility and eat more nutrient foods.”
“Your body can still heal and adapt – even in the 70s, 80s, etc., we’ve seen people get more attention, sleep and move with less pain,” Ormond said.
Cheema said that when she feels better, the effort is totally worth it. “When you start eating more heartfelt foods, such as lush greens and fish, there is also the benefit of your brain and blood flow, which will help you stay sharp and stay independent for longer.
He said eating well makes me feel good Dr. Raj DasguptaQuadruple Board Certified Physician specializing in internal medicine, respiratory, critical care, and sleep medicine, and Chief Medical Advisor of Garage Gym Review. “Just improving your eating habits will make you feel better, move more easily and manage it more effectively,” he said. “My body may not be bounced like before, but it is still very responsive to care, especially when it gives better fuel.”
