As we grow old, we develop a preference for a healthy lifestyle. Because our body becomes weaker, it is challenging to perform the same activities as when we were young. Our brain also slows down, affecting our ability to make decisions.
However, a study shows that a healthy lifestyle can improve memory and thinking skills.
Taking dietary supplements for older adults is also advisable to help promote healthy living. These supplements can help with cognitive decline, some can help with memory loss, and others can help prevent age-related diseases.
Here are some of the supplements that older adults can take for healthy ageing:
-
Multivitamins
Multivitamins are beneficial for older people because they can provide the required nutrients that the body needs to function correctly. They provide essential nutrients that help in maintaining good health.
Moreover, particular multivitamins for older ages have been suggested to address deficiencies. These multivitamins can be taken as part of a diet or as a supplement.
Multivitamins are usually available in pill form, but getting them in liquid and powder form is also possible.
-
B vitamins
B vitamins are essential in the human body for several functions. However, many people do not get enough of these vitamins due to lifestyle choices.
Some of the benefits include:
- Improved mood
- Increased energy levels
- Reduced risk of heart disease
-
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that helps in bone and teeth formation, muscle contraction and nerve cell signalling. It also helps in blood clotting and blood pressure regulation.
However, older people are more likely to have a deficiency because they may not be getting enough calcium from their food sources or cannot absorb it well due to age-related changes in their digestive systems.
Some benefits of calcium include:
- helping to prevent osteoporosis
- reducing the risk of heart disease
- reducing the risk of stroke
- helping with memory, cognition, and mood disorders
-
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are crucial for the body. They can get them f seafood and fish oils, nuts and seeds. The benefits of omega fatty acids for older people include better heart health, brain function, mood enhancement, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to reduce inflammation in the body. These are good for controlling blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
Omega fatty acids may also be helpful for people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia because they help improve memory and cognition.
-
Iron
Iron is a vital mineral that helps the body carry oxygen to cells. It also plays a role in blood formation, brain development, and immune function. Thus, iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, irritability, and depression.
Iron-rich foods include beef, chicken, turkey, pork chops or ground beef, spinach and kale, and dried apricots or dates.
When there is insufficient iron in our body, it leads to anaemia. Iron deficiency can have adverse effects on cognitive function and mood. Taking iron supplements helps maintain this mineral inside the body as older people may lack intake from the food they eat.
Our bodies and minds start to change as we age, and we need to adjust accordingly. There are many things that people can do to stay healthy such as eating healthy foods, exercising or limiting alcohol consumption.
Being health-conscious at an older age is not easy when you have a busy lifestyle with lots of responsibilities and less time.
So, besides eating a well-balanced diet, health supplements for older adults ensure the improvement of bone health, immunity, and brain function to help you perform daily activities. Image Credit: Pexels
