Seniors Need To Make Sure They’re Getting Essential Nutrients

Recent research has shown promise for what amounts to a super supplement blend of many of the most popular vitamins and other essential nutrients that, individually, have a wide range of health benefits: vitamins B1, C, D, E, acetylsalicylic acid, beta-carotene, folic acid, garlic, ginger root, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, green tea extract, magnesium, melatonin, potassium, cod liver oil and flax seed oil. Scientists were encouraged by the anti-aging response of mice in a lab model to the blend, not just that it may help slow aging, but also add vitality, the essence of quality of life. Whether such a supplement is developed and marketed to people, nutrition is a concern for seniors because as we age we often tend to eat less and, as a result, not as well.

As Dr. Chris Iliades points out in his latest Parentgiving.com article, Senior Nutrition 101, nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated if you stick to the basics: lean meat, poultry and fish, a rainbow of fruits and vegetables and whole (unprocessed) grains. It comes down to making choices and often taking an extra step or two. For instance, if you replace prepackaged raisin bran cereal with your own mix from a box of all bran flakes and a bag of raisins (without the extra sugar coating found in most brands of cereal), you’ll vastly increase the fiber, whole grain nutrients and iron in your diet. Sprinkle on a few almonds and you get some good-for-you fatty acids as well. Making small steps like these will keep us stepping lively longer. For more on senior nutrition, see Dr. Iliades’ article.