Eating red meat can have a negative effect on the way your senior loved one ages, which is why he or she should develop healthy eating habits. The foods seniors eat can impact their memory, heart health, and bone strength. Here are some of the reasons avoiding red meat is beneficial for aging adults.
1. Prevent Colon Cancer
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, especially in men and women over the age of 65. Eating red meat can lead to the development of colon cancer, which is why your loved one should eat more fiber-rich foods. Without fiber, it’s difficult for seniors to clear out foods from their intestines, especially red meat. As a result, the lining of the intestine walls could be damaged, increasing the risk of colon cancer. Instead of eating red meat, seniors should consume fish, chicken, and unprocessed meats.
Colon cancer is just one of the several health issues older adults are susceptible to. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Lakewood families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
2. Lower Alzheimer’s Risk
Eating red meat can raise iron levels in a senior’s brain, heightening the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The iron found in red meat can accelerate the damage caused by free radicals. Over time, the iron builds up in gray matter regions of an older adult’s brain, causing Alzheimer’s disease. The more red meat your loved one eats, the more damage may occur to his or her communication neurons. When nerve cells die, symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s could start appearing.
3. Increase Circulation
Fatty fish, fruits, nuts, and leafy green vegetables are the best foods for seniors who want to increase their blood flow. However, red meat is the worst food choice because it can lead to inflammation, causing plaque buildup and narrow arteries. Avoiding red meat helps older adults reduce blood viscosity and boost their arterial function.
4. Keep Obesity at Bay
Red meat can contribute to obesity just as much as sugary foods. Since meat is not a carbohydrate, many people assume it’s a healthy option. However, red meat is high in saturated fat and useless calories. Being overweight can increase the risk of strokes, diabetes, and poor bone health, but avoiding red meat can help seniors maintain a healthy weight as they grow older.
Eating nutritious foods is one of the healthiest lifestyle choices for older adults. If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elderly care. Lakewood Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
5. Stave Off Indigestion
Aging causes the body to become frail, making it difficult to digest food. Many seniors experience indigestion, but they don’t know it. The most common signs of indigestion are unexplained weight changes, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and loose or dark stool. Avoiding foods like red meat prevents the digestive system from being overloaded. Fish, legumes, and non-acidic foods are the easiest for aging adults to digest.
Caring for older adults and encouraging them to make healthy lifestyle choices can be a challenging task. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Lakewood, CO, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Home Care Assistance. Using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call at (303) 987-5992 today.