10 Foods to Keep the Elderly Healthy

It’s now more important than ever to stay healthy in Hong Kong and watch out for our elderly. As we age, our bodies have different requirements and our immune systems are a bit more delicate. Thankfully, being mindful of a healthy lifestyle and eating more of certain types of foods can help keep the elderly in tip-top shape ensuring that they live long and healthy lives. If you have an elderly loved one and are looking for the best immunity boosting foods and gifts, here are the top 10 foods that will help keep them healthy.

Water

While not necessarily a food, an appropriate intake of water is essential for the elderly as they may not feel as thirsty as they used to. Many ailments like fatigue, headaches, and constipation can be avoided by drinking more water. 8 glasses a day is the recommendation for the elderly.

Berries and Dark-Skinned Fruits

Dark skinned fruits and berries like blueberries are rich in vitamins C and E, which keep the body’s cells healthy, as well as antioxidants. Studies have also found that cherries have also been found to boost the immune system as well as reducing the risk of upper respiratory tract symptoms.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, and pomelos are rich in vitamins C, which have long been proven to help the body’s immune system. Studies found that by consuming 200mgs of vitamin C a day help with infection prevention. You can encourage the elderly to take supplements or have about 2-3 servings of a citrus fruit per day. One medium orange provides 70 mg of vitamin C.

Green Vegetables

Eating plenty of vegetables has been associated with lower levels of cognitive decline. Dark green vegetables are also anti-inflammatory antioxidants and are rich in key nutrients known to help the immune system such as vitamin A, C, and folate. Green vegetables also assist in optimizing our guts, which is the location of many of immune cells. Many dark green vegetables are also rich in iron which is vital in helping carry oxygen from our lungs into our blood and throughout the rest of our body.

Fish and Shellfish

Cold water fish and shellfish contain omega-3s, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium and potassium, all of which are beneficial for brain function. Salmon, tuna, scallops, and abalone are all great examples of the types of seafood the elderly can eat to keep their brain sharp.

Nuts

Nuts have so many benefits, they provide healthy fats and omega-3, as well as essential fiber and protein, both of which need to be increased in consumption as we age to keep our guts and muscle functions healthy. Brazil nuts also contain selenium which has been shown as a potent antioxidant and cell supporter. Pumpkin seeds are also higher in zinc which is another essential vitamin in supporting our immune system.

Plain Greek Yogurt

As we age, our bodies need more calcium, and vitamin D to keep our bones healthy and strong prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent choice as it’s high protein and low sugar and can be combined with berries, nuts, and wholegrains which add more health benefits and makes it even yummier.

Eggs

Eggs are an easy way for the elderly to get protein as well vitamin B and B12 which helps with memory retention and the body’s stress management.

Wholegrains

Gut function gets more difficult as we age making it more important that the elderly get enough fiber. Many breads and noodles found in Hong Kong are made with white processed flour, which is low in fiber. Switching to wholegrain alternatives will help keep the elderly’s gut healthy and functioning normally as well as supporting their immune system.

Sweet Potatoes and Carrots

Beta carotene is a pre-cursor to vitamin A and is essential for maintaining good eye sight as well as helping to produce white blood cells which help to fight off viruses and bacteria. It also helps to form the mucous membrane that lines our respiratory tract that acts as a protective barrier. One sweet potato contains over 150% of our daily intake of vitamin A, making it an easy addition to a senior’s diet.