Growing older can present many health challenges for seniors. However, maintaining good habits such as healthy eating can help them live a better quality of life. Encouraging aging loved ones to modify their daily intake to more closely resemble the Mediterranean diet can do much for their health. Here some of the reasons seniors should adopt the Mediterranean diet.
1. Manages Blood Sugar
The foods found in the Mediterranean diet are high in fiber and rich in monounsaturated fats, which can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of diabetes. High blood sugar can also lead to weakened muscles, which increases the risk of slips and falls. Following the Mediterranean diet can help seniors manage their blood sugar and increase their physical health.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional Home Care.Clearwater, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Fights Against Cancer
Advanced aging is one of the highest risk factors associated with cancer. Fish, fruit, and vegetables are foods seniors eat when following the Mediterranean diet, and a higher intake of these cancer-fighting foods can lower the risk of developing breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. If your loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, adopting the Mediterranean diet could slow the disease’s progression and alleviate its symptoms.
Performing daily tasks while simultaneously managing the symptoms of a serious illness can be challenging for seniors. The Palm Harbor live-in care experts at Home Care Assistance are available 24/7 to make sure your loved one has the care he or she needs to remain safe and comfortable while aging in place.
3. Boosts Heart Health
Heart disease remains one of the main causes of death for adults over the age of 65. This is due to the increased health conditions seniors encounter as they age, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol. It is important for older adults to exercise regularly and follow a well-balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. Adopting the Mediterranean diet encourages seniors to eat foods that decrease the accumulation of bad cholesterol in their arteries and reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Drinking red wine in moderation is encouraged with this diet, and wine has been associated with staving off heart disease.
4. Promotes Agility
Some of the challenges seniors face as they age include poor balance and flexibility, which can occur due to weakened muscles and tense joints. Adopting the Mediterranean diet can help seniors increase their agility. The diet calls for eating plenty of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats, which can reduce the risk of age-related muscle loss.
5. Staves Off Alzheimer’s
Seniors should adopt healthy eating habits and exercise routines to lower the risk of cognitive impairment. When your loved one adopts the Mediterranean diet, he or she can maintain healthier cholesterol and blood sugar levels. When these things are combined, they can work to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive conditions.
Consider taking a break from your other caregiving duties to speak to a doctor and create a healthy diet plan for your elderly loved one. Palm Harbor respite care professionals can assist seniors with a wide array of daily tasks, offering family caregivers the chance to focus on other personal responsibilities or take a break to prevent burnout. Whether it’s for a few hours a day or a few days a week, respite care is the perfect solution for family caregivers who are feeling overwhelmed. To hire a dedicated and professional caregiver for your senior loved one, call Home Care Assistance at (727) 330-7862.