The fascinating outcomes of a recent AARP study are in: people who eat healthy are twice as likely to consider their mental acuity to be very good or excellent compared to those who rarely eat well. In particular, an eating plan abundant with fish, fruits & vegetables equated to better brain health.
The participants’ responses match the recommendations of AARP’s Global Council on Brain Health, that also adds the requirement to reduce intake of salt, saturated fats, and excessive alcohol which were demonstrated to have a detrimental effect on brain health. Per Sarah Lock, senior vice president for policy and executive director of GCBH, “Many of us have gotten used to the idea of heart-healthy foods, but now we know that those same foods can make a big difference in our brain health, as well.”
As a result, why aren’t more seniors following these simple rules to eat healthy? The issues stated include:
- Eating healthy is simply too expensive.
- It’s too difficult to follow a healthy diet.
- Stores selling healthy food are way too far away.
- They won’t like the taste.
- They don’t believe it makes a significant difference in their health.
And yet, a full 90% of participants stated they’d take steps to eat better if they thought it might lessen their risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
The daily recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ChooseMyPlate initiative are the following for older adults:
- 1 ½ – 2 cups of fruits
- 2 – 3 cups of vegetables
- 3 cups of dairy
- 5 – 6 ounces of protein
- 5 – 7 ounces of grain
Eating numerous different sorts of these food types on a consistent basis is key. It’s also helpful to create a strategy that will help overcome objections to healthy eating, and also to enlist the aid of a trusted family member, friend, or professional caregiver for support to stick to the plan.
Home Sweet Home In-Home Care will help make healthy eating possible for senior citizens, by choosing groceries and making sure that the fridge and cupboard are well stocked with great food choices, planning and preparing nourishing meals, and much more! We could also provide cheerful companionship during mealtimes to ease the loneliness that might contribute to unhealthy eating, along with encouragement to help make smart food choices. Call us at (269) 224-1683 for details about our expert Kalamazoo MI home care services.