The saying “You are what you eat,” is true. A healthy diet provides the ingredients to build and repair bones and tissues and keep the complex workings of the human body functioning optimally. It also provides the mental and physical energy necessary for daily life – work, recreation, relationships and time with family. It is clear that a healthy diet also protects us from infectious illnesses and chronic diseases so that we may age with a minimum of ill health, pain and disability.
As people age, the need for calories decreases while the need for nutrients often increases. This can pose a challenge for seniors.
An important fact to consider is that seniors have higher rates of heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol and high blood pressure than the rest of the adult population. However, these diseases can be prevented or controlled through healthy eating. For example, did you know that broccoli controls blood pressure? This is a good tip because the majority of senior men and many senior women eat more than the recommended amount of sodium (salt). Decreasing the amount of sodium you eat can substantially reduce your risk of high blood pressure.