A healthy anti-aging diet should include a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains along with nutrient-dense foods that contain anti-aging compounds. These eight foods are excellent options for seniors who want to look and feel their best.
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that reduce the risk of disease and fight the visible signs of aging. The berries boost collagen production for firmer skin, and they can reduce the risk of skin cancer by decreasing the effects of environmental pollution.
2. Salmon
Salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation in the body and support proper brain function. The fish is low in fat but has about 23 grams of protein per serving to provide long-lasting energy.
If your loved one needs help planning and preparing nutritious meals, a home caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust senior home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
3. Almonds & Almond Milk
Both almonds and almond milk are excellent sources of vitamin E, which supports healthy heart function. Vitamin E also makes skin more elastic and resilient, which can lower the risk of minor skin injuries for seniors who have thin, fragile skin.
4. Spicy Peppers
Spicy peppers such as jalapenos and habaneros contain anti-inflammatory compounds that relieve pain and swelling in the joints, allowing seniors to enjoy greater mobility and range of motion. Spicy peppers also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke when consumed regularly. If your loved one doesn’t like spicy food, opt for red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, which boost antioxidant intake and contain several essential nutrients.
Family caregivers also need to pay attention to their own wellbeing. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Auburn families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
5. Dark Chocolate
If your loved one has a sweet tooth, switch to dark chocolate for a healthier treat that’s high in disease-fighting antioxidants. Dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate and contains tryptophan, a compound that triggers the release of serotonin, which is a naturally occurring hormone that increases feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
6. Kombucha with Live Cultures
Kombucha is a fermented drink that fights aging with a blend of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and probiotics. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that support proper immune function, which can reduce the occurrence of minor illnesses. Probiotics also support healthy digestion.
7. Avocados
Avocados are loaded with essential nutrients, including potassium, and they contain carotenoids that reduce the risk of some cancers. The healthy fats in avocados aid in nutrient absorption, making them the perfect addition to healthy meals. Avocados also contain wrinkle-fighting fatty acids and skin-brightening vitamin A to promote youthful, glowing skin.
8. Raw Spinach
Spinach is high in iron and contains nutrients that protect the eyes from sun damage. It’s rich in a variety of antioxidants that lower the risk of disease, and the raw leaves are low in calories. Add berries to a salad of fresh spinach leaves for a sweet, irresistible flavor. Raw spinach is also delicious in fruit smoothies and on sandwiches.
A trained professional caregiver can be an ideal resource when you’re trying to help your loved one lead a healthier lifestyle. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. Auburn families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Call one of our Care Managers at (334) 744-7100 to learn about our customized in-home care plans.