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Managing your nutrition as you age might seem daunting, especially if you’ve had the same eating habits for years. While those habits might have served you in the past, changing them can help you have more energy and maintain your wellness in the day to day. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are few tips to get you started.
Eat more protein.
As we age, our need for calories decreases; the older you are, the less you usually need to eat to maintain a healthy weight. This is why increasing protein intake is a good strategy for seniors who want longer lasting energy. Plus, a protein-rich diet helps prevent muscle loss. According to the Mayo Clinic, protein intake at certain intervals throughout the day can help the weakening of muscles with age.
Lower saturated fat intake.
Although we need saturated fat for our health, too much can cause heart disease. Saturated fats are easy to recognize because they’re typically solid at room temperatures. So be wary of overindulging in common health trends like coconut oil, which is very high in saturated fat. Also, check the labels of packaged foods that you purchase to become better aware of their saturated fat content. If you can’t find the information about saturated fat content on the label, try checking online.
Eat those leafy green vegetables.
And we don’t just mean green–there are red, purple, and orange vegetables too! Vegetables have fiber and nutrients necessary to a well-balanced diet. However, leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli can even help with prevent memory loss thanks to their high vitamin E content.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Because our water reserves shrink with age, it’s crucial for seniors to drink plenty of fluids. This doesn’t have to just mean water, however. While water is important, fruit juices can be a great occasional source of both hydration and vitamins. Be careful when choosing what kinds of juices to drink, because not all juice is created equal. All juices are high in natural sugar (fructose), but some have added sugar as well. Make sure you’re drinking 100% juice when you do decide to treat yourself–and remember, there’s no substitute for water.
Maintaining wellness as a senior means better quality of life as you age. But, the costs of cooking classes, a gym membership, and perhaps even groceries themselves can quickly ruin anyone’s budget. Not to mention, if your health is already poor and you need more guidance to create a path to wellness, having extra money can certainly go a long way. If you still maintain a life insurance policy you no longer need, did you know you can sell all or a portion of that policy for more than the cash surrender value? This is called a life settlement, or viatical. Contact Life Settlement Advisors today to learn more about the life settlement process or see if you pre-qualify.
Case Study: Jerry purchased a term life insurance policy several years ago that he no longer needs. Jerry discovered he could sell his life insurance for $65,000. He used the funds to help pay for his granddaughter’s education.
