Nutrition’s Role in Healthy Aging
Aging is an intricate and multifactorial process, but most experts agree that maintaining good nutritional status is at the center of healthy aging. Macronutrients such as calcium, protein, fibre and iron play a pivotal role in maintaining bone density as well as supporting immune functioning; micronutrients like vitamins A, C and B 12 help strengthen nervous and metabolic systems as we age.
Middle age and older adult diets typically lack enough servings of healthy foods to meet energy requirements, while also including an abundance of nutrient-weak items like processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages and refined grains – all which increase cardiovascular disease risk. Diets such as the Mediterranean Diet may better meet nutritional requirements in elderly individuals by including polyunsaturated fats, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and moderate animal protein consumption while still meeting energy requirements.
Physical activity is vital in order to promote healthy aging and maintain independence for everyday tasks, including aerobic and strength training exercise, using assistive devices for mobility assistance, as well as quitting smoking, getting enough restful sleep, managing chronic health conditions effectively, etc. All these elements come together as part of your overall health – consisting of physical, social, emotional, cognitive health.