Supplements For Seniors 55 Years And Older
When we’re young, we often take our nutritional needs for granted. Bar food, microwavable meals, and cheap ramen noodles all take a toll, but at a young age the body tends to bounce back.
For older individuals, this is often not the case. Health challenges, limited mobility, and a lack of financial resources can lead to deficiencies of important nutrients that older bodies need to function at their best.
In fact, according to research by the Institute of Medicine (U.S.) Food Forum, while older individuals may become less active and can reduce their overall food intake, their bodies become less efficient and need more nutrients to fill gaps. This can mean looking for more nutrient dense foods, or using a supplement designed for seniors.
If you are at least 55 years old and concerned about your nutritional intake, then this article is for you. Keep reading to learn about the most common nutrients that may be missing from your diet, plus what foods can help you to fill nutritional gaps, and how supplements may provide optimal support for your body and mind.
Nutrients that Seniors may be Missing
During our lifetimes, we get into eating habits that don’t change, despite the changing needs of our body. For people ages 55 and older, these are the nutrients you may want to start thinking more about:
- Calcium – Important to maintain bone density.
- Vitamin D – Supports bone health, the immune system, and the brain.
- Sodium – The body needs sodium to function, but due to blood pressure and heart conditions, some people may limit or eliminate salt from their diet. Speak with your doctor about adding salt to your diet.
- Vitamin B12 – Important for the central nervous system and energy production.
- Fiber – The gut naturally slows with age, and can worsen due to medications or other health challenges. Fiber can help to keep the gut active.
- Water – Due to the dulling of senses, seniors may not realize they are thirsty and can suffer the ill-effects of dehydration.
If you struggle to get these or other nutrients, you may want to consider a dietary supplement.
Brands that Sell Supplements for Seniors
New Chapter is a brand that specializes in whole food supplements that are made using raw ingredients that go through a special fermentation process to promote absorption and nutritional support.
You can experience the whole food difference with New Chapter’s Every Woman’s One Daily Multi 55+ designed for women ages 55 and older; or Every Man’s One Daily Multi 55+ designed for men ages 55 and older. Both formulas provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and take into account each gender’s unique needs.
Seniors may also be curious about maintaining a healthy libido or reproductive comfort. Chaste tree is an herb that may help you to maintain hormonal balance, a healthy prostate, and antioxidant support.
Blessed thistle is another herb that may be ideal for supporting the healthy flow of urine, a healthy digestive system, normal salivation and stomach acid production, and skin health.
Foods that Provide Ideal Nutrition
The National Council on Aging offers several suggestions for seniors to get the nutrition they need.
It starts with understanding the major food groups, including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Eating foods in each of these groups should help you to meet or exceed your basic nutritional needs, including:
- Lean protein such as meat, seafood, eggs, and beans.
- Colorful fruits and vegetables (orange, red, dark green, and purple are best.)
- Whole grains such as brown rice and pasta.
- Low-fat dairy or an equivalent alternative.
In cases where you have dietary restrictions, you will need to substitute for something else. For example, if you don’t eat meat or consume dairy, increase your consumption of legumes, mushrooms, avocado, and nut-based milks.
Also don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking small amounts of fluids throughout the day. Tea, coffee, and water are all acceptable if you limit sugars and creams.
Final Thoughts
Being mindful of good nutrition and speaking with your primary care physician about how to meet your dietary is a smart first step. Also ask about using New Chapter supplements, or herbal products that may support other areas of the body, like the reproductive system, the skin, the gut, and more.
Good nutrition and understanding your body’s needs will help to ensure that you stay active during your golden years!
