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Supplements and Lifestyle Tips for Seniors

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Every year in May, the Administration for Community Living chooses a theme to help celebrate Older Americans Month. In 2019, that theme is Connect, Create, Contribute. The theme is meant to encourage older Americans and their families to:

  • Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation.
  • Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.
  • Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.

Among the many suggestions for possible activities and events that can help older Americans find ways to connect, create, and contribute are activities that encourage older Americans to prioritize and focus on their health. The Administration for Community Living makes several suggestions for activities that might help accomplish this, including planning resource fairs or kiosks that can help inform older Americans about services and supports (including health-related services and supports) that may be available to them; inspiring older adults to express themselves through exercise and other means; hosting workshops for seniors on topics including nutrition and healthy living; and promoting volunteers and organization, such as meal programs, that support seniors.

Another way to support the health of the senior citizens in your life during Older Americans Month is through nutritional supplements.

Supplements for People Over 50

Nutritional supplements are used by people of any age. But there are certain supplements that become more beneficial as we age; there are also certain needs specific to older and aging Americans that supplements may help support.

The National Institute on Aging confirms that people over the age of 50 may need more of certain vitamins and minerals than younger adults do. By talking to a doctor or dietician, older Americans can determine if they are getting adequate amounts of the following necessary nutrients: calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12.

Calcium

More than one in three adults over the age of 65 falls each year. There are many risks associated with these falls, chief among them the risk of fractures or breaks due to bone loss. Calcium works together with Vitamin D to support bone strength at all ages: it may be especially important for older Americans. Calcium can be found naturally in foods like milk and dairy products, dark-green leafy vegetables, canned fish with soft bones, and foods, such as cereals, that are fortified with calcium.

Vitamin D

Most people are able to get the Vitamin D they need by spending 15-30 minutes in the sun twice a week. But for older adults, this may not be sufficient. Along with supplements, other ways to get more Vitamin D include D-fortified milk, milk products, and cereal, and fatty fish.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 helps our bodies to form red blood cells. Vitamin B6 deficiency in older adults has been linked to certain diseases, particularly gastrointestinal disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Vitamin B6 can be found in foods such as potatoes, bananas, chicken breast, and fortified cereals.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 helps keep the body’s red blood cells and nerves healthy. Older adults need just as much Vitamin B12 as younger adults; however, many older adults have a harder time absorbing the Vitamin B12 available in food. This problem can be addressed by adding foods fortified with Vitamin B12 to their diet, or through Vitamin B12 supplements.

Supporting Healthy Choices with Genesis Today

The NIH recommends that most, if not all, of your daily vitamins and minerals should come from food. However, for older Americans, certain vitamins and minerals may be more difficult to absorb or access, and deficiencies can lead to significant health problems. In those cases, adding a nutritional supplement to your diet may be beneficial.

Genesis Today provides superfood products packed with large amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other potentially beneficial compounds. Superfood blends from Genesis Today are for adults of any age; however, older adults may find that incorporating Genesis Today products into their daily may be an easy way to supplement their diet with necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Genesis Today’s Garcinia Cambogia Acai Blueberry Drink mix helps support healthy weight management, and makes adding Vitamin C and fiber to your day easy and delicious.

Their Organic Tart Cherry pure liquid concentrate is another delicious, easy-to-ingest drink that supports healthy joints through the aging process.

And for an overall nutritional boost that targets the vitamins and minerals listed above (and many more), try Everyday Detox Greens, a blend that contains 19 vegetables, fruits, and herbs to help the body’s detox systems work as intended.

How do you (or the older adults in your life) use nutritional supplements to stay healthy?