Nutrition is something that people spend most of their lives worrying about.
Therefore it makes sense that when you retire you start to become a little less worried about what you're putting into your body.
After all, retirement should be a time when you can do exactly what it is you want to do.
If that means eating more cakes and treats then so be it.
The problem is, in order to make the most of your retirement you're going to need to be healthy.
It is no secret that as you age your health starts to slowly decline.
In order to ensure you stay healthy, you need to pay attention to your diet.
Why should you be focused on nutrition? Proper nutrition in your later years can help to reduce various illnesses and diseases including heart disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer.
You can also reduce your risk of a stroke, anemia and type 2 Diabetes.
If you already have any of these conditions, you can manage them a lot easier through proper nutrition.
Typically you need less calories as you age.
However, you still need a good level of nutrients.
This can be achieved by eating a wide variety of foods.
What nutrients should you focus on? While it is important to get a variety of nutrients into the body, there are specific nutrients you typically need more than others as you age.
These include: Calcium Fiber Fat Vitamin D Fluid Zinc One of the most common problems you face as you reach your elderly years is weak bones.
The risk of osteoporosis means you should focus on getting a good level of calcium into the body.
Foods such as cheese, milk, calcium fortified cereals and leafy green vegetables are all good sources of calcium.
Constipation is another common problem you're faced with when you're older.
Fiber will help to keep the digestive system functioning properly and prevent bowel conditions.
Foods with a high level of fiber include wholegrain bread, porridge, brown rice and fresh fruit and vegetables.
It is commonly recommended that everyone should reduce their intake of saturated fat.
However, if you are over 75, this might not be good advice.
Frail older people would actually benefit from an increase in fat to gain weight and become stronger.
Vitamin D actually helps the body absorb calcium.
However, it is mainly provided through natural sunlight.
There are some foods that are rich in Vitamin D and they include oily fish, spreads and eggs.
Did you know that as you get older your body contains less water? You don't feel thirsty as often and your body starts to have problems conserving water too.
Therefore dehydration is a potential risk.
It is important to drink more fluids throughout the day to ensure you don't suffer with confusion or drowsiness.
Finally Zinc is another nutrient you will want to focus on.
It is partly responsible for ensuring you have a healthy immune system.
Shellfish, meat, pulses and wholemeal bread are all excellent sources of Zinc.
Therefore it makes sense that when you retire you start to become a little less worried about what you're putting into your body.
After all, retirement should be a time when you can do exactly what it is you want to do.
If that means eating more cakes and treats then so be it.
The problem is, in order to make the most of your retirement you're going to need to be healthy.
It is no secret that as you age your health starts to slowly decline.
In order to ensure you stay healthy, you need to pay attention to your diet.
Why should you be focused on nutrition? Proper nutrition in your later years can help to reduce various illnesses and diseases including heart disease, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer.
You can also reduce your risk of a stroke, anemia and type 2 Diabetes.
If you already have any of these conditions, you can manage them a lot easier through proper nutrition.
Typically you need less calories as you age.
However, you still need a good level of nutrients.
This can be achieved by eating a wide variety of foods.
What nutrients should you focus on? While it is important to get a variety of nutrients into the body, there are specific nutrients you typically need more than others as you age.
These include: Calcium Fiber Fat Vitamin D Fluid Zinc One of the most common problems you face as you reach your elderly years is weak bones.
The risk of osteoporosis means you should focus on getting a good level of calcium into the body.
Foods such as cheese, milk, calcium fortified cereals and leafy green vegetables are all good sources of calcium.
Constipation is another common problem you're faced with when you're older.
Fiber will help to keep the digestive system functioning properly and prevent bowel conditions.
Foods with a high level of fiber include wholegrain bread, porridge, brown rice and fresh fruit and vegetables.
It is commonly recommended that everyone should reduce their intake of saturated fat.
However, if you are over 75, this might not be good advice.
Frail older people would actually benefit from an increase in fat to gain weight and become stronger.
Vitamin D actually helps the body absorb calcium.
However, it is mainly provided through natural sunlight.
There are some foods that are rich in Vitamin D and they include oily fish, spreads and eggs.
Did you know that as you get older your body contains less water? You don't feel thirsty as often and your body starts to have problems conserving water too.
Therefore dehydration is a potential risk.
It is important to drink more fluids throughout the day to ensure you don't suffer with confusion or drowsiness.
Finally Zinc is another nutrient you will want to focus on.
It is partly responsible for ensuring you have a healthy immune system.
Shellfish, meat, pulses and wholemeal bread are all excellent sources of Zinc.
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