Mental health issues in seniors are a real concern, with the American Psychological Association estimating more than 20 percent of adults over the age of 65 are affected. You can help your senior loved one feel better day in and day out by making simple dietary changes that incorporate these top seven mood-boosting foods.
1. Fish
Fish is rich in omega-3-fatty acids, which protect heart health, increase dopamine levels in the brain, and boost overall mood. Fish is a rich source of fatigue-fighting iron, too. And iron can prevent anemia, a common health concern in seniors.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support and information when it comes to getting proper nutrition. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust at-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
2. Healthy Carbs
Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source, and they also help the brain make serotonin, the chemical known for its feel-good effects. Offer your loved one whole grain bread, steel oats, bran cereal, and whole wheat pasta for meals that will promote a better mood.
3. Beans
Beans are a low-fat protein source, and all varieties contain the B vitamin folate, an essential nutrient proven to prevent depression.
4. Citrus Fruits
All fruits are healthy, but the vitamin C in citrus fruits acts as both an antioxidant and a refreshing booster for the immune system. Citrus can also prevent mental and muscle fatigue.
Making sure your loved one eats healthy meals can sometimes be a challenge. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Tucson, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
5. Bananas
The potassium content of this fruit regulates sodium levels and also calms the mind. Having a banana before bed may even promote better sleep.
6. Green Tea
Rich in antioxidants, green tea is a great alternative to the high levels of caffeine found in coffee. Add a touch of honey for a sweet drink that will be sure to make your loved one feel better any time of day.
7. Water
Many seniors can’t recognize the symptoms of dehydration like younger adults can, so proper hydration is a must for better mood and energy. Older adults should avoid drinking coffee or alcohol to boost mood—coffee is a dehydrating stimulant that can worsen anxiety, and alcohol is a depressant.
A trained professional caregiver can be an ideal resource when you’re trying to help your senior loved one lead a healthier lifestyle. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. Tucson families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ 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. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (520) 276-6555 today.