Happy New Year! Did you make any resolutions this year? If you’re like a lot of people you may have set a new health or fitness goal. Did you know nearly 80 percent of all people who make new year’s resolutions fail to achieve them? Making consistent and healthy lifestyle changes is difficult and it’s important to get the guidance and support you need from skilled professionals. The good news is you don’t have to make these changes alone. You can make healthy, long-lasting lifestyle changes with help from Pine View Health and Rehabilitation Center.
At Pine View, eating well isn’t just a new year’s resolution; it’s a way of life. Our dietary department can help ensure you’re getting the proper nutrition and rehabilitation you need to support your unique healthcare needs.
How can nutrition help me stay healthy as I age?
Generally speaking, older adults need fewer calories—but their nutrient needs are just as high or higher than younger people. Here are a few easy nutritional changes you can make today that will help you prevent physiological deficiencies and other age-related issues:
- Add more water
As you age your sense of thirst lessens, and your kidneys aren’t able to conserve water as well. This is a dangerous combination that can leave you dehydrated. To counteract these natural changes, drink plenty of water and eat foods with high water content, like watermelon, strawberries and cucumbers. - Add more nutrient-rich foods
Though older adults require fewer calories, they need just as many, if not more, nutrients as everyone else. Choose nutrient-dense foods like dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish and lean meats. - Add more fiber
Our digestive system naturally slows down with age, which can lead to constipation. Eating foods rich in fiber will help promote proper digestion by moving food through the digestive tract more efficiently. - Add supplements
Supplements can help you get your daily dose of B12, vitamin D and calcium. These three powerhouses help digestion and prevent bone loss—two things that we all need help with as we age. - Add more omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s can help keep your brain healthy as you age. Try adding foods like salmon, tuna, trout, flaxseed and walnuts to your diet to support healthy brain function.
At Pine View Rehabilitation and Health Center, our certified dietary managers work with patients to help maintain a healthy weight, stay energized and get the nutrients they need to live a long and healthy life. Our senior rehabilitation services include ongoing nutritional guidance on how to eat a well-balanced diet and stay healthy as you grow older.