One of the most common health concerns among older adults is unintended weight loss. While some weight loss is normal as we age, sudden or significant weight loss can be a sign of an underlying health condition. There are several things that older adults can do to avoid unintended weight loss, including eating a healthy diet and staying active.
Eating A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for older adults. Eating various nutritious foods helps keep our bodies strong and our minds sharp. Older adults should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at processing and absorbing nutrients. This is why older adults need to limit their intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and saturated fat. These foods can tax the digestive system and make it difficult for the body to get the nutrition it needs.
And too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. So while these foods may be tempting, they’re not worth the risks they pose to our health. When it comes to food, older adults should focus on quality over quantity. And limit sugary drinks to occasional treats instead of making them a part of your daily diet. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure that your body gets the nutrition it needs to stay healthy and strong as you age.
When stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol, leading to increased appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods. Cortisol is a hormone that helps our bodies deal with stress, but it also has some other effects. For example, cortisol can increase appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods. So, if we’re constantly stressed, our bodies may produce more cortisol than we need, which can have unwanted side effects.
However, there are some things we can do to help manage our stress levels and keep cortisol production under control. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating habits can all help to reduce stress and keep our bodies healthy.
Older adults can try yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling to manage stress. Spending time each day to relax and de-stress can help keep our mind and body healthy as we age.
Staying Active
Staying active is another important way to avoid unintended weight loss. Regular exercise helps to boost our metabolism and keep our muscles strong.
Exercise is important for people of all ages, but it becomes especially crucial as we age. Our bodies become less efficient at metabolizing calories, and we begin to lose muscle mass. As a result, we need to exercise more frequently to maintain our weight and our health. Older adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day. This doesn’t have to mean going to the gym – a brisk walk around the block will suffice. The important thing is to get up and move your body on a regular basis. Exercise has been proven to improve heart health, immune function, brain function, and more. So get moving – your body will thank you!
