Older adults require a diet that’s rich in fiber to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For those who may be asking “Why fiber?” read on to learn the many benefits of a high-fiber diet, especially for older adults.
Better Dgestive Health
Seniors need to eat foods that are high in both insoluble and soluble fiber to keep a strong working digestive system. Insoluble fiber is found in a variety of foods and helps seniors avoid digestive problems such as constipation and diverticulosis, while soluble fiber adds bulk to stool.
Eating nutritious meals is one of the healthiest lifestyle choices older adults can make. 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 elder care. Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
Diabetes Control
Soluble fiber, which is found in foods such as oatmeal, lentils, peas, apples, beans, and nuts, slows down the digestion process in seniors, making glucose release into the bloodstream more slowly. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, taking on a gel-like consistency that acts as a stabilizer for blood sugar levels. Including fiber in their diet can help older diabetics control blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Stroke Prevention
Studies have shown a high-fiber reduces a senior’s chance of having a stroke. Fiber reduces hypertension and high levels of LDL, or what’s commonly known as bad cholesterol. Soluble fiber lowers total blood cholesterol levels by binding to bile acid and cholesterol in the intestine and secreting cholesterol from the body. The risk of high cholesterol increases with age, so aging adults can benefit from including fiber-rich foods as an important component of a healthy diet.
Strengthened Heart
There’ a direct link between a fiber-rich diet and a healthy heart. Research has shown a significant decrease in the risk of heart attacks for seniors who regularly eat high-fiber foods.
Some older adults need help preparing nutritious meals. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Victoria seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Avoiding Kidney Stones & Gallstones
Painful gallstones and kidney stones may be avoided in seniors if the right foods are added to their daily diet. Fiber regulates blood sugar and reduces insulin spikes, which are often the reason these types of stones develop.
Healthy Weight
Seniors who avoid being overweight are more likely to be healthier, both physically and mentally. Eating foods with high fiber content helps people feel fuller longer while consuming fewer calories.
There are many different foods that have both soluble and insoluble fiber. Family members and caregivers can add fiber-rich foods to meals and snacks throughout the day to promote overall health for their loved ones.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. Victoria families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (250) 592-4881.