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HEALTHY EATING OPTIONS green vegetables, such as leafy greens or
broccoli, and orange vegetables, such as
carrots and sweet potatoes.
for seniors that can provide sustained energy by way
• Energy-boosters: Choose whole grains

of healthy carbohydrates over processed
grains.
• Bone-friendly foods: Calcium-rich
foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, can
prevent calcium from being leached from
the bones, which contributes to conditions
like osteoporosis.
• Digestive system-friendly foods:The
digestive system slows down as the body
ages, as the walls of the gastrointestinal
tract thicken and digestive contractions
that push waste along may slow down
and become fewer. Foods rich in fiber
can promote proper digestion by moving
food through the digestive tract mor easily.
High-fiber foods also may help naturally
reduce blood cholesterol levels.
• High-iron foods:Without enough iron
in the body, a person may feel tired and
lethargic from a reduced production of
hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the
blood from the lungs to the rest of the
body.A lack of oxygen in body tissues from
anemia can be serious, says the National
Council for Aging Care.Tofu, spinach, lentils,
pumpkin seeds, and fortified breads and
cereals are high in iron.
Smart food choices can help seniors live
“Let food be thy medicine” is a quote • Anti-inflammatory foods: Foods rich long and healthy lives.
attributed to Hippocrates, the ancient scholar in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent
considered to be the father of modern inflammation that can cause cancer and
medicine.The saying relates to the notion that rheumatoid arthritis.Aging.com says foods that
what people put in their bodies can heal and/or are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon,
prevent certain conditions. should be consumed at least twice per
For seniors with medicine cabinets full of week.
over-the-counter and prescription medications, • Fruits and vegetables: Fresh,
the idea of relying predominantly on food to canned or frozen produce
promote optimal health may be tempting, and tend to be high in
various foods can be particularly useful to the micronutrients, including
50-and-over demographic. a variety of important
According to the World Health Organization, vitamins that are
poor diet is a major contributor to many of essential for all
the diseases that affect older people. Poor diet components
has been connected to the development of of health.The
diabetes, and degenerative diseases such as Academy of
osteoporosis also may be linked to the foods Nutrition and
Dietetics
ones eat.The National Council for Aging Care
The Morning Call says micronutrient deficiency is often a problem advises
eating dark
among the aging due to factors like lack of
variety in diet and reduced food intake. Eating a
variety of foods can provide all of the nutrients

| people need to stay healthy as they get older.
Certain foods may be particularly helpful.
Sunday, June 6, 2021 leafy vegetables, sunflower seeds, blueberries,
• Brain-friendly foods: Foods such as avocado,
and salmon are good sources of vitamin E,
antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other
nutrients that may help ward off dementias like
Alzheimer’s disease, advises Sonas Home Health
Care.
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