02 Mar Nutritional Keys to Staying Healthy in a Pandemic for Seniors and Caregivers
The COVID-19 pandemic is going to be with us for a while longer as states across the country work diligently to get seniors and health care workers vaccinated. As a result, it appears that we will be staying at home for a bit longer while observing requirements like mask-wearing and social distancing.
Another way to stay healthy during this pandemic is to focus on our habits around eating well and supporting our immune system.
In this article we will review a few tips on how intentional nutrition can assist in supporting our health.
Eating Habits and Food
More time spent at home may result in a change in eating habits. In our line of work, seniors and caregivers both report, that they are finding themselves in the kitchen more simply out of habit, instead of actually being hungry.
For instance, one may have to walk through the kitchen to get to other rooms of their homes and while passing through, they found themselves becoming distracted by a “quick snack,’ as being in the kitchen tends to signal the brain that “it is time to eat.”
Boredom may also be another contributor to more trips to the kitchen. I mean, let us face it, there is not a lot to do right now and nor are there many places to go. Therefore, watching television and enjoying a meal or snack may sound like the best way to occupy one’s time.
However, now, more than ever, it is important that we aim to stick to healthy eating as much as possible, particularly since COVID-19 presents greater risks to those with underlying health conditions.
What to Eat
One of the best tips around nutrition is to keep it simple when it comes to your diet. Creating a diet focused on whole foods like fruits, green leafy vegetables, high-quality meat, and seafood are great starting points. Supplementing with immune boosters such as garlic and ginger may be beneficial as well.
Processed foods, white flour, sugar, and things containing additional hormones or antibiotics are not the best of friends of any of us, so if one is unable to avoid completely, then reducing or limiting them as much as possible would be ideal.
Additional Ways to Support Health Through Nutrition
Besides eating a well-rounded diet, there are other things that we may do to support our health through nutrition such as getting enough fiber, limiting our sodium intake, drinking plenty of water, and supporting the body’s need for vitamin B-12.
Fiber exists in foods like beans, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and whole grains. It helps reduce blood sugar, lower cholesterol, regulate bowel movements, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Salt raises blood pressure, especially as we age. By substituting salt for things such as garlic, fresh herbs, or pepper, this instantly contributes to a more heart-healthy diet. It is also important to note that preparing fresh meals at home versus eating out is one of the best ways to avoid increased salt intake.
Getting more B-12 is another vital part of good nutrition. Vitamin B-12 not only helps with stress management, which most of us may benefit from as this pandemic continues, but it also helps provide more energy while supporting heart and brain health and reducing our chance for osteoporosis. Vitamin B-12 can be found in eggs, fish, meat, poultry, dairy products, fortified cereals, or other forms of supplementation.
To learn more about how caregivers and seniors can stay healthy and thrive at home, visit Happily Ever After Senior Living. We provide a host of support services designed to help make living at home easier for seniors and their families.
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