The Role of Nutrition in Happy Aging

The need for nutrition begins before we’re even born and continues until we take our last breath. Indeed, nutrition can support healthy and happy aging processes and improve quality of life. At the same time, it’s one piece to the larger puzzle of a joyful, fulfilling life. 

This article explores nutrition's role in the aging process and how it contributes to happiness and health. While the link may be relatively straightforward, it’s often too easy to take our health for granted. A dedication to nutrition can maintain healthy habits and ultimately lead to a potentially longer lifespan. 

How Eating Healthy Contributes to Happy Aging 

Eating healthy can contribute to happy aging in several ways, including the following: 

• Reducing memory loss
• Managing chronic conditions
• Increased mobility 
• Brain health support 
• Improvement in mental health 

In contrast, unhealthy habits can lead to weight gain (which can exacerbate certain health conditions), a decline in mental health state, and the advancement of certain diseases. A lack of nutrients can lead to long-term deficiencies in critical vitamins and minerals. 

If you’d like to test your nutritional knowledge, check out the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Older Adult Nutrition Quiz. You might be surprised at what you learn. The answers may even prompt you to change some of your eating habits. 

Changes to your diet can help you reduce, or even eliminate, salt, sugar, and processed foods. However, you should consult with your physician before making any drastic changes. Your doctor may advise you to avoid specific foods or connect you to a nutritionist if you like.

Finding Nutritional Resources 

Proper nutrition often requires referencing various resources and incorporating changes into your diet. If you’re looking for nutritional resources you can use to improve your health habits, start with the following: 

• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
• Senior food pantries (including mobile) 
• MyPlate
• SNAP
• Farmers markets like the Bay Area Farmers Market in Friendswood
• Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program
• Nutrition and Aging Resource Center

Compassion and care from Visiting Angels of Webster can also support your nutrition. Our caregivers work to plan and prepare meals with seniors to ensure they’re meeting their nutritional needs. We also provide medication supervision to support overall health. 

Visiting Angels of Webster: Nutrition Resource For Seniors 

Visiting Angels of Webster works with seniors and their families to ensure meals are planned and executed correctly to ensure a healthy diet. In addition, we offer the following resources: 

• Beat the Heat As You Eat and Drink
• Eat This, Not That! Why Seniors May Need to Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
• Brain Boosting Foods
• Does Your Senior Drink Enough Water?
• 6 Reasons Seniors May Lose Their Appetite

If you or an aging loved one struggles with nutrition, it might be time to discuss senior home care agencies. Visiting Angels of Webster offers many types of senior home care services. If you want to learn more, contact us for a free consultation. We look forward to speaking with you and your aging loved one!