Announcement
March 20, 2024
As another new year begins, resolutions to improve health become common among people of all ages. For active agers, it becomes especially important to be mindful of nutrition and exercise as the body’s needs begin to change. Read on to learn how to keep your body functioning well and aging healthily!
Think your age is determined by the year you were born? Think again! The human body has two ages: chronological age and functional age. Chronological age is based on the calendar and represents how many years a person has been alive. Functional age takes into account lifestyle factors and represents the age at which a body performs.
While chronological age is beyond anyone’s control, functional age is largely dependent upon the choices one makes daily over the lifespan. Nutrition, exercise, and genetics all play a role in determining functional age. Put simply, a 30-year-old person who has a poor diet, never exercises, and smokes may have an older functional age than a 60-year-oldperson who eats a balanced diet, walks daily, and makes healthy lifestyle choices. Practicing a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of many diseases during the aging process and increases longevity.
As we age, our nutritional needs change. Calorie requirements decrease as activity levels decline and muscle decreases. Unfortunately, this may lead to nutritional deficiencies in some people, and malnutrition can cause the body to age faster. Prevent premature maturation by consuming nutrient-rich foods to avoid the most common nutritional deficiencies in aging bodies: vitamin D, vitamin B12, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and water.
Protein consumption becomes increasingly important for active agers because it fights the loss of muscle and strength. Similarly, calcium intake should increase to help prevent the loss of bone density and thinning skin. Eating a healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of deficiencies and many diseases, especially when practiced throughout one’s entire lifespan.
Just like with nutrition, exercise requirements change with age. Exercising regularly and keeping the body active promote long-term independence for aging adults. Studies have shown that seniors who adopt sedentary lifestyles are less likely to be self-reliant and more likely to need assistance with tasks such as bathing, cooking, or using the restroom. Active seniors have more energy, improved cognitive function, and a decreased risk of many age-related diseases.
Movements that improve balance, flexibility, and resistance are ideal for aging bodies. Each year in the United States, one out of four people over 65 will fall, with one out of every five falls resulting in injury. Among the best exercises to keep active agers fit are walking, water aerobics, and resistance band workouts, because they are low impact and target age-related limitations.
