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March is Nutritional Month: Nutrition Needs in the Golden Years

vegetables in a basket

As we age, we need fewer calories—about 10% less per decade from age 50 onward—but not necessarily fewer nutrients. With our bodies’ own natural antioxidant systems losing steam, we need to increase our intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like artichokes, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cranberries and dried plums.

Because of this calorie-nutrient paradox, it’s more important than ever to choose foods with care, opting for a nutrient-dense diet and avoiding empty-calorie snacks. Fiber, for example, is a macronutrient that too many seniors get too little of. In addition to lowering levels of “bad” cholesterol, fiber helps improve regularity at a time when gastrointestinal distress may become an issue. Top sources of healthy fiber include navy beans, oats, raspberries, oranges and green peas.

Protein is another macronutrient seniors need but 60% fail to consume in adequate amounts. The body’s ability to absorb vitamin B-12 declines with age, and salmon is a great choice as a two-for-one protein and vitamin B-12 source. As a bonus, salmon, sardines, albacore and flounder are good sources of omega-3 “healthy” fats that help boost memory power.

Another nutrient for your noggin is niacin. In a four-year study of 800 seniors, those with the highest intake of niacin—also known as vitamin B-3—had an 80 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Niacin sources include portobello and button mushrooms, red potatoes, and once again, salmon: an all-around “superfood” for seniors.

Here’s more “food for thought”: Onions and apples are loaded with quercetin, an antioxidant that may be even more powerful than vitamin C when it comes to preserving brain cells. The anthocyanins found in berries, grapes and cherries also maintain mental acumen.

Of course, what’s acuity without agility? Help reduce the risk and alleviate symptoms of joint pain by losing any excess weight. Those same fruits and vegetables that help you manage your calorie budget also may reduce your risk of rheumatoid arthritis, according to Harvard researchers. Specific foods for joint health include cherries and pineapple, both of which contain compounds that may inhibit inflammation.

Diminished sense of taste and smell, also a part of aging, may incline you to coat your food with salt at the precise time when blood pressure concerns should suggest limiting sodium intake. Instead of reaching for the salt shaker, try herbs and spices to add extra flavor.

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