Eating well
Making healthy food choices becomes even more important as we grow older; our appetites change and our bodies metabolise food differently.
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Getting the right nutrition in our diets is vital to health and wellbeing. Variety is the spice of life, and eating a wide range of foods is one of the best ways to stay healthy. This includes:
- vegetables and fruit (fresh, frozen or canned)
- bread and cereals (wholegrain is a healthy option)
- milk and milk products or calcium-rich substitutes – preferably low or reduced fat
- low-fat proteins (lean meats, eggs, seafood, beans, peas and lentils, nuts and seeds).
Remember that eating plenty of high fibre foods is important for your health.
This information comes from the Keep Going for GOLD: Advice for living well over 65 brochure.
Watch your fat, sugar and salt intake.
Eating fresh or frozen vegetables and meat is an easy way to limit salt, sugar and saturated fats. Limiting processed foods and takeaways foods will also help keep you in top form.
When shopping for canned fruits, vegetables and legumes (beans, etc.) be sure to check the nutrition label and choose the one with low – or no – added salt and sugar.
Staying hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps digestion, and it also keeps your organs working properly and your brain firing on all cylinders. Drinking plenty of fluids when it’s hot outside or when you’re more active is also key.
Water is always the healthiest choice.
Aim to drink eight cups of water each day – if that sounds like a lot, start with fewer, and work your way up.
Try to limit caffeine as well – six cups of tea or four cups of coffee is the Ministry of Health’s recommended daily maximum.
Alcohol
We all know that we’re meant to limit our alcohol intake, but this becomes even more important as we age.
Our bodies process alcohol differently than when we’re younger, and it may also interfere with some medications. If in doubt, just ask your GP if this applies to you.
Aiming for at least two ‘alcohol-free days’ each week can help you to stay healthy. Mixing wine or spirits with water, soda water or ice, is another easy way to cut down on intake while still enjoying a drink.
You might also like to consider low alcohol drink options, for example, light beer.