Senior Health: Encouraging and Embracing the Elderly

by Tami Hulcher

In many cultures, the elderly are revered and honored and celebrated for their wisdom and longevity. For instance, the Okinawans in Japan have a celebration when a resident turns 97. They are showered with pinwheels; they receive certificates of merit, and a monetary prize from the government. The Okinawans are now listed among the longest living people in the world, many living over 100 years old. One of the reasons is their diet. Research has shown us that there is a direct correlation between nutrition and disease, and nutrition and longevity and aging.

Aging is a nearly simultaneous biological process characterized by progressive, inevitable evolution and maturation until death. Physical aging occurs in different organ systems at different rates, influenced primarily by diet, socioeconomic status and lifestyle choices. For instance, we know that smoking, too much alcohol, too much sugar and fat, and too much of "bad" foods can cause diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Maintaining healthy function is the most significant issue for the elderly. The ability to continue living independently is a critical issue for all elderly persons. Loss of this ability due to a serious illness, often leads to institutionalization.

Many seniors tend to have digestive issues, immune system issues, depression, and loss of appetite. Many of these issues can be helped with proper diet.

Depression is common in many <,city>> seniors, and we can look at some dietary triggers and helpers. For instance, flax seed is good for depression, so are beets! Copper is also good for depression. Good sources of copper are legumes, nuts and soybeans. Aspartame found in diet foods and drinks may cause depression and worsen symptoms of those with depression, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological immunological issues. Aspartame changes dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. I work with a large Autistic patient-base, and this is one of the first toxins I remove from their diet.

Osteoporosis is not a calcium deficient disease! We here in the U.S. practice a "calcium-draining" lifestyle (meats, dairy, alcohol, sodas, stress). We can get plenty of calcium from our diets, especially those rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. We also need vitamin D to help facilitate the absorption of calcium.

Everyone, including seniors should avoid the following: diet foods and drinks containing aspartame; MSG; food dyes listed as FDC on labels; sucralose; heavily processed foods; nitrates; partially hydrogenated oils; transfats. These are NOT health-promoting items.

The do's of healthy eating are: more fresh raw fruits, and vegetables; more water (75% of Americans are dehydrated); more fiber from whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and legumes; more Omega - 3 rich foods such as wild salmon, almonds, walnuts, and flax seeds (freshly ground).

Obviously there is more to seniors' health that can be covered here, including exercise and lifestyle changes. This article is not meant to treat or diagnose any disease, nor is it meant to be medical advice. I encourage you to seek a qualified, forward-thinking health care professional prior to starting any new health regime. Together, we can make a difference in helping our seniors live long and healthy lives; and we can honor them by encouraging our seniors to enjoy and to embrace their lives.