| "You dehydrate faster now than when
you were younger" |
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Getting the proper nutrition and staying active
are some ways to enhance your potential for successful aging and
ensure you enjoy your golden years.
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| Nutrition |
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Proper nutrition and good eating habits are
some of the key components for healthy aging. Good nutrition can
prevent or delay the onset of many chronic illnesses such as osteoporosis,
diabetes and heart disease.
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Nutritional needs of older people differ from
those who are younger. As you age, your body's metabolism may be
less efficient or slower. Also, there may be less absorption and
greater excretion of nutrients. Hence, you need to eat more nutrient-dense
food. Nutrient-dense food are those that provide substantial amounts
of vitamins and minerals and relatively few calories such as whole-grains,
vegetables and fruits.
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Another important part of good nutrition is
getting adequate hydration. You dehydrate faster now than when
you were younger and as you get older, you have lower levels of
saliva and digestive juices. Water makes swallowing food easier,
aids digestion and prevents constipation. Aging bodies also hold
less water and some medications may cause water loss.
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Drink six to eight glasses of fluid daily, depending
on your height and weight as bigger people require more fluid.
Water can come from drinking water, fruit juices, milk and soups.
Try to limit the amount of caffeinated drinks such as coffee and
tea as they can cause you to lose body water. Have a drink available
around mealtimes and take water breaks throughout the day.
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People often wonder whether it is necessary
to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Unless directed by your
doctor, vitamin and mineral supplements are rarely necessary if
you eat enough food to meet your energy needs. It is also important
that you do not use supplements in place of food or in extremely
high amounts.
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Be sure to check with your doctor or dietitian
before starting any dietary supplements or when you have specific
health problems or changes.
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| Physical Activity |
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Exercise is important for all age groups,
particularly for the elderly. Many older people do not exercise
as they think of it as a chore, boring or disappointed by the lack
of immediate results. Regular physical activity not only make you
look and feel better, it can help your body function more effectively
in many ways, protect you from chronic illnesses and lower your
chances of injury.
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There are many types or exercise that you can
do to enhance your level of physical activity. Choosing a type
of exercise that is fun and enjoyable will enrich all aspects of
your life and easily maintained over the long term.
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Walking is a great way to exercise. If you
find it boring, walk together with a partner and carry on a conversation
while you're walking. You can also try different exercise programs
such as joining swimming or tai chi classes and taking up a hobby
like gardening. Try to work on making exercise a regular part of
your day and build on your daily routine.
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However, before starting an unfamiliar activity
or new exercise program, you should always get help from your doctor
to decide which type of exercise suits you best and discuss on
any special conditions you might have. It is also important that
if you feel pain or discomfort, you should stop the activity, take
a break and consult your doctor.
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Disclaimer:
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of facts, the
articles and information above must never be construed as giving
professional health advice and as such Kurnia does not give any
warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness
or other assurances as to the content appearing in the above
article. Kurnia cannot be held responsible for any losses, injury
or death resulting from the use of the above information. |
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