Around 1 million people over 65 in the UK are undernourished or at risk of undernourishment.
This means that a large portion of older people are not eating well enough to maintain their health. These issues can affect people not only physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Eating healthier will not only help you to lose weight but will also change the way you think and feel.
No matter your age or eating habits, it is never too late to change your diet for the better.
Importance of Healthy Eating
Often, there is a misconception that losing weight is a normal part of ageing. However, this is not the case and the signs of undernutrition can sometimes go unnoticed due to this belief.
It is important to look out for the signs of undernutrition to ensure unexplained weight loss can be acted upon. Loose fitting clothes are a big indicator, but also changes in moods and feeling more tired than usual can be important factors for cases of undernutrition.
Not only can eating healthier combat undernutrition, but more generally it can help you to boost your immune system and fight illnesses. It will keep your weight in check, reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, bone loss and cancer.
If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one and believe they may be at risk of undernutrition, speak to a GP.
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Not Just About Physical Health
Eating the right foods not only keeps your body healthy, but also improves your emotional and mental health too.
Fish and nuts packed with Omega-3 fatty acids may be able to improve focus, whilst also decreasing risk of Alzheimer’s disease. As well as this, green tea can enhance memory and mental alertness as you get older.
No Fad Diets
Eating healthy shouldn’t be about fad diets and restricting yourself of what you enjoy. Eating healthy should be about enjoying fresh food with good quality, tasty ingredients.
Good, wholesome meals can give you more energy and help you look better as well as feeling better. Having a balanced, healthy diet can boost your mood and alertness which makes you feel happier and healthier all-round.
Make It an Event, It Is Not Just About the Food
Eating is also a major part of our social lives and enjoying this time with friends and family can make mealtimes even more enjoyable.
A social atmosphere is beneficial to your mental and physical health. It can stimulate your mind and make eating something you look forward to. If you do eat with others, they can also benefit from a healthy diet, so you don’t feel like it’s something you’re doing alone.
How to Find A Diet That Works for You
Finding a diet that works for you might be a trial-and-error process. Our bodies react differently to different foods so finding what works for you is the first step to creating that all-important healthy diet.
Here are a few simple tips to get you started:
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
- Make sure you have enough calcium for bone health, this can be found in foods such as milk, yoghurt and cheese.
- Don’t be put off by fat, there are such things as ‘good fats’, which includes food rich in Omega-3, oily fish, nuts, avocados, etc.
To find out more about how Minster Home Care can help you or your loved one to develop a healthy and balanced diet whilst providing the care they need, speak to a member of our team today.
