Memory Boosting Foods, Essay Example

Introduction

Health and aging is a complex process that contributes to new challenges for older adults. Nutrition is one area of critical importance that requires further evaluation so that these persons are able to consume nutrient-rich foods as they grow older. Healthy eating is instrumental to improving overall health and wellbeing, particularly for older adults; therefore, activities related to a healthy diet must occur on a consistent basis so that older adults are able to achieve a greater quality of life through nutritional guidance and support from physicians, nurses, family members, and the surrounding community.

Analysis

Healthy eating for older adults requires an understanding of the primary nutrients that should be consumed on a regular basis, including those that promote greater health, such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates (National Institute on Aging, 2014). Furthermore, older adults will benefit from foods and nutrients that stimulate memory, such as vegetables, cherries, walnuts, and omega-3 fatty acids (Moore, 2013). Furthermore, older adults must maintain a healthy weight by consuming foods that do not allow excess caloric intake (Rodriguez, 2014). Other nutritional needs include calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folic acid, all of which must be consumed through foods or through the use of supplements (Rodriguez, 2014).

Conclusion

Older adults must commit to a lifestyle that includes healthy eating in order to improve quality of life. This includes the consumption of foods that are rich in nutrients that will contribute to the prevention of disease within this population. These factors contribute to the development of strategies that specifically address health in older adults and the needs that this population requires to support improved health and wellbeing during this part of the life span.

References

Moore, M. (2013). Memory boosting foods. Retrieved from http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442477741

National Institute on Aging (2014). Important nutrients to know. Retrieved from http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/whats-your-plate/important-nutrients-know

Rodriguez, D. (2014). Nutrition needs for healthy aging. Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/fitness-and-nutrition/nutrition-needs-for-healthy-aging.aspx