The retired orthopedic surgeon has valuable tips for seniors on how to live a healthy lifestyle.
He shares 7 easy rules that can help you maintain your health and wellness if you’re over 50 years old.
A healthy diet is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life as you age, explains Darrin Eakins of Wilmington, NC. And there are many things you can do to make sure your diet is nutritious and balanced without being boring.
Suffering from any disease, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or simply getting older, puts several limitations on what an older person can eat. However, this does not mean that eating healthy is impossible for seniors. As with anything in life, all it takes is a bit of planning and some good habits to keep things under control.
Go for whole grains and legumes
Whole grains and legumes are full of nutrients and fiber, which keeps you fuller for longer. They can help you if you struggle with feeling hungry for too long. Compared to refined grains, whole grains have more nutrients, like potassium and magnesium. Darrin Eakins adds that they also provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect the body from chronic diseases while providing plenty of energy. Legumes are a good source of protein and ideal if you don’t want to eat meat or fish every day. They’re also full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
People often think of fruits and vegetables as healthy, but they can be challenging for seniors to eat. If you’re having trouble with chewing, try adding them to a smoothie in the morning or juicing them and then adding the juice to water at lunchtime. Vegetables and fruits are full of vitamins and nutrients that are essential for your health.
Stay away from the bad stuff
Eating healthy also means avoiding foods high in sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. They can also lead to weight gain. Eating too many of these foods can lead to obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Darrin Eakins says that limiting your intake of these types of food is vital if you want to live a healthier life as you age.
Don’t forget to stay active
Keep your body active to maintain excellent physical and mental health. Eating healthy is about staying in good shape, not just about food. Exercise keeps your blood sugar levels stable and helps you sleep better at night.
A healthy diet is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life as you age. This is especially true if you’re dealing with any kind of disease, like diabetes or high blood pressure. If you’re an older person, it’s crucial to plan and ensure your food is nutritious, balanced, and tasty.
Darrin Eakins is a retired orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine injuries. He has been working in the sports industry for over 20 years.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.