Senior Health and Fitness Tips for National Nutrition Month

Between work and home life, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to take care of our daily responsibilities and our bodies. Although it may seem small, the way we fuel and move our bodies throughout the day has more impact than you might think. 
 
Poor nutrition, such as an imbalanced diet or inconsistent eating habits, along with increasingly sedentary lifestyles, has led to an overweight problem in America. As of 2022, 107 million U.S. adults were considered obese, and the numbers are expected to jump to 126 million by 2035. 

Health-related problems and social isolation are among the many reasons older adults are more likely to develop poor nutrition and exercise habits over time. But just because you or a loved one is getting older doesn’t mean there isn’t time to create new habits.  
 
As we celebrate March as National Nutrition Month, this is a perfect time to find a new nutrition and exercise routine to help your elderly loved ones stay healthy and active. Established in 2016 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the nutrition month focuses on finding ways to help elderly loved ones eat in ways that support physical activity. 
 
If you are looking to start taking charge of your physical health or set a good example for the people you love, here are some great senior health and fitness tips to get in shape for National Nutrition Month and beyond: 

• Don’t skip breakfast. If you think skipping breakfast is an easy way to slim down, think again. Start your day with a balance of lean protein, whole grains, fruits and even vegetables. A balanced breakfast can keep you satisfied until lunch and give you the energy you need to start your day. It also helps you eat less in the evenings to balance your daily calorie intake. 

• Expand your palate. Healthy food doesn’t have to be bland – it can be both nutritious and tasty! One of the best senior health and fitness tips for maintaining good nutrition is to try new foods. Expanding the palate to new foods can benefit vitality and help maintain a strong body. For example, eating foods like leafy greens, berries and different types of healthy fats is a great way to maintain strong heart health for seniors. Try something different, vibrant and full of beneficial micronutrients. Who knows? You might find your new favorite food.  

• Cook more. While eating out or getting fast food can save you time, it can cost you calories– nearly 200-250 more than a home-cooked meal. Fast food also tends to have a significantly higher amount of trans fats, which can increase the chance of heart disease. Cooking healthy, nutritious meals is ideal, but can be time-consuming, especially if you’re caring for an older loved one. This is where senior care services, such as personal care or respite care, can be a valuable resource. Non-medical in-home caregivers can assist your loved one with grocery shopping and cooking, and provide affordable and easy heart-healthy recipes for seniors. 

• Love your food in smaller amounts. As we age, our bodies need fewer calories to maintain a healthy body weight. Staying healthy is both about eating the right foods and making sure you get the right amount of nutrients each day. This means portion control is a big factor in staying in shape. Implementing senior health and fitness tips, like adding fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to your meals, is a great way to keep you full longer.  

• Move your body.  Active aging is about both eating the right foods and getting enough exercise. It’s important for older adults to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week. This could be walking, swimming or cycling, depending on a person’s condition. Some older adults may need extra help getting enough exercise due to health conditions that make it difficult to move around on their own. FirstLight’s companion care services, including walking assistance, can help seniors avoid sedentary habits, maintain an active lifestyle and reduce fall risk. 

Stay On Track with Your Health Goals with FirstLight Home Care 

At FirstLight Home Care, we understand that having the right senior health and fitness tips can make a world of difference for you and the senior adult in your life. Trying to maintain a balanced diet on your own can be tough, especially when caring for a loved one at home. 

We work with families to help develop special diets, eating schedules and exercise plans with all health goals in mind. If you want to learn more about how to best fuel your body, check out our nutrition tips for seniors. For information on other personal senior care services, such as meal preparation assistance or walking assistance that can help your loved ones enjoy a healthy lifestyle in old age, contact your local FirstLight Home Care location today.