It’s great if your senior loved one fully embraces the good things about being older and wiser. Still, your loved one probably isn’t thrilled about the potential health risks associated with aging. While there’s nothing anyone can do to stop the aging process, there are some foods you can encourage your loved one to include in his or her diet that have anti-aging benefits. Below, you’ll find eight of them.
Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers are flavorful and loaded with cell-protecting antioxidants. When cells are protected, they’re less susceptible to age-related changes and damage. Red peppers are also rich in vitamin C, which contributes to more youthful skin because of increased collagen production.
Some aging adults need assistance preparing nutritious meals at home. The type of home care service seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
Blueberries
Because of high amounts of vitamins A and C and a powerful antioxidant called anthocyanin, blueberries can protect older skin from damage related to sun exposure and stress. These richly hued berries also reduce DNA damage and protect healthy forms of cholesterol the body needs to function well.
Broccoli
This green leafy veggie is loaded with anti-aging nutrients that can be beneficial for seniors. Along with an abundance of antioxidants, broccoli is rich in:
- A type of vitamin B called folate that helps with cell growth
- Vitamins C and K
- Lutein, a type of vitamin with vision benefits
- Calcium and fiber
Nuts
Salty processed nuts aren’t healthy, but there are plenty of other nuts that can be good for seniors looking to minimize age-related health issues. Walnuts and almonds, in particular, are loaded with vitamin E, which helps with skin and tissue repair. Walnuts are also a reliable source of inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fatty acids may help with the anti-aging process by:
- Providing protection against sun damage
- Strengthening cell membranes
- Contributing to healthier, smoother skin
A professional caregiver can help your loved one with grocery shopping and other tasks related to following a healthy diet. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Columbus families can trust. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
Sweet Potatoes
A powerful antioxidant called beta-carotene gives sweet potatoes their color, and it’s beneficial because it protects cells and is converted to vitamin A. This vitamin is associated with restoring skin’s natural elasticity and increasing cell turnover. The nutrients in sweet potatoes may also contribute to a more efficient immune system and better heart and kidney function.
Avocados
Avocados are an anti-aging treat for seniors because they contain high amounts of fiber and healthy fats. A single 3.5-ounce serving of avocados also provides an assortment of nutrients that include vitamins B, C, E, and K, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Additionally, powerful antioxidants in avocados may keep aging eyes healthier. There’s even evidence that avocado extract may alleviate arthritis-related symptoms.
Dark Chocolate
There’s research suggesting moderate amounts of dark chocolate can keep the heart healthy. Antioxidants in dark chocolate may also provide added protection against age-related changes in the brain and skin damage.
Beans
Beans are considered one of the best anti-aging foods because they’re a reliable source of the protein that’s necessary to maintain muscle strength. Antioxidants in beans also protect cells from unstable atoms called free radicals.
Even if you help your loved one focus on healthy eating during the times you’re providing care, you can’t do it all alone. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Columbus, OH, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Specialists today.
