Essential Dietary Supplements for Healthy Aging
Over 90% of Americans have a vitamin deficiency, according to the Biostation. Are you one of them? Without the right anti-aging vitamins, longevity herbs, and a balanced diet, you could put your health at risk.
Before that happens, consider adding the best supplements for seniors to your routine. These vitamins and minerals support healthy aging and longevity. Give your health a boost today!
B Vitamins
B vitamins are involved in many bodily processes, including:
- Energy production
- Immune health
- Brain function
- DNA repair
B vitamin deficiencies are associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline, heart disease, and osteoporosis in older adults, according to an abstract published in the National Library of Medicine. You can add these anti-aging vitamins to your routine by taking multivitamins.
You can add certain B vitamins to your routine through your diet, including thiamine, riboflavin, and folate. Consult your senior living community's dining program to adjust your diet. Otherwise, a restrictive diet could cause a deficiency.
You can find B12 in eggs, sardines, red meat, and other animal products. B6 is in bananas, dark leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and fatty fish.
Adults over the age of 50 may be at an increased risk of a deficiency. In fact, our ability to absorb B12 weakens as we age, leading to lethargy and neurological issues. Consult a healthcare professional to determine which B vitamins you need.
Calcium
Calcium plays a key role in our bone health. Taking a calcium supplement can preserve bone density if it's not already a part of your diet.
Consider taking vitamin D to boost your body's natural absorption of calcium. You can find anti-aging vitamins that contain both.
Make sure to take calcium carbonate supplements with meals. If you're on stomach acid reducers, they could prevent adequate absorption.
Calcium citrate supplements are easier to absorb. You don't need to take these supplements with meals.
Increasing your calcium intake could improve your bone density while decreasing bone loss. Otherwise, consider making lifestyle changes to improve your overall health. Other factors that negatively affect bone density include:
- Low levels of estrogen and testosterone
- Neglecting weight-bearing exercises
- Smoking
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can benefit your brain and overall health. Potential benefits include:
- Reduced depression symptoms
- Improved eye health
- Reduced anxiety symptoms
- Improved brain health
- Decreased risk of heart disease (by lowering triglycerides)
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduced risk of autoimmune diseases
- Alzheimer's and age-related mental decline prevention
- Reduced symptoms of metabolic syndrome
- Cancer prevention
- Reduced fat in the liver
- Improved bone and joint health
- Improved sleep
Consider adding omega-3 fatty acids to your routine if you're looking for supplements for skin health. Omega-3s could protect your skin against aging and promote skin hydration.
Protein and Collagen
Collagen is a protein found abundantly throughout the body, including your skin and muscles. Unfortunately, our bodies naturally produce less collagen as we get older. This can cause sagging or dry skin, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Add collagen supplements to your list of the best supplements for seniors if you're concerned about skin and bone health. Collagen can boost your skin's hydration and elasticity. It may also help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Otherwise, try adding more protein to your diet. Protein helps keep your blood sugar levels stable. It also plays a role in retaining and building muscle.
Consuming more protein can slow the process of sarcopenia (the gradual loss of muscle). This begins around age 40. You may need more protein as you grow older to preserve muscle mass.
Proteins provide the body with essential amino acids. They play a role in cell growth and repair.
Pair these anti-aging vitamins with a workout routine. Explore activities at your senior living community for effective workouts.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supports the body's energy production. Low levels can increase your risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart failure
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cancer
Your body will produce less CoQ10 over time. Consider adding longevity herbs and supplements to your routine for healthy aging.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also called the sunshine vitamin. Our bodies produce it when we're exposed to the sun.
Older adults are at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, especially those who avoid the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Consider joining your senior living community's wellness programs. For example, your community may offer gardening or outdoor pilates classes.
It plays a part in calcium absorption, allowing us to maintain strong bones. Vitamin D is also important for metabolic function and the healing of fractures.
You can find vitamin D in fatty fish like salmon and tuna. To improve nutritional support for elderly citizens, explore your senior living community's dining options.
Magnesium
Many adults over age 70 don't get their required daily amount of magnesium. This mineral is associated with:
- Asthma
- Depression
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Impaired cognition
- Sleep disorders
It relaxes the muscles of the vascular wall and can lower blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is an issue for people over age 50. The loss of vascular flexibility occurs as we age.
You can find magnesium in leafy vegetables, milk, yogurt, and whole grains.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It helps fight free radicals, which can cause damaging oxidative stress. Add more vitamin C to your routine if you're interested in supplements for skin health.
It can help improve your skin's hydration. It may boost natural collagen production, leading to fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C can protect you from age-related conditions. Potential benefits include:
- Inflammation regulation
- Improved immune function
- Improved recognition
- Better attention and focus
- Improved recall and memory
Enjoy Anti-Aging Vitamins for Healthy Aging
For healthy aging, prioritize anti-aging vitamins and nutritional support for the elderly. Make sure your body is getting the vitamins and minerals it needs to function at its best.
Consider joining LakeHouse Coldwater, our senior living community in Coldwater, MI. We meet each resident's unique needs with quality care in an environment that provides a sense of belonging.
We'll ensure you receive the care and comfort you deserve. Discover our range of engaging activities, supportive services, and comfortable living options. Contact us now to schedule a tour.
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Many people assume that if something goes wrong, their spouse or child will automatically be able to speak on their behalf, but that isn't always the case.
Without the right legal documents, doctors may be forced to act without input from your loved ones. A healthcare power of attorney solves this problem. It grants someone you trust the right to make decisions when you're incapable of making them.
This article explains what a healthcare power of attorney does, how to set one up in Coldwater, and why it's one of the most important steps you can take for your future care.
Read on to learn more about this essential senior healthcare planning topic.
What Is a Healthcare Power of Attorney?
A healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to name someone who can make medical decisions for you if you can't make them yourself. This person is called an agent or proxy, and they can do the following on your behalf:
- Speak with doctors
- Review your medical records
- Consent to or decline treatment
Filling out this form might feel like another administrative formality, but it's a safeguard that ensures your voice is heard in the most critical times. Unlike a living will, which covers specific scenarios, a healthcare power of attorney is flexible. It allows your proxy to make decisions based on what's happening in the moment.
Why Coldwater Seniors Need One
In Coldwater and across Michigan, healthcare providers are bound by privacy laws that limit the information they can share and who they can share it with. Without a legitimately appointed healthcare agent, your loved ones could be shut out of vital decisions during a crisis.
Having a healthcare power of attorney prevents distractions like delays, legal conflicts, and emotional stress, allowing your family to focus on your care. According to the National Institute on Aging, naming a healthcare agent is one of the most important steps in advance care planning. It's the only way to guarantee your medical treatment always lines up with your values.
Choosing the Right Person
Finding someone to take on your medical decisions might sound like a difficult conversation topic, but it's one of the most significant talks with a loved one you can have. While your proxy should be someone you trust, you shouldn't necessarily go with your closest family members.
Your healthcare agent should be someone you trust to stay calm under pressure, understand your wishes, and stand firm if there's disagreement from others. This could be a spouse, child, close friend, or even a professional advocate.
Go beyond the basics and talk about the kind of care you would want. Do you prioritize comfort, or would you prefer more aggressive treatment? Discussing these topics helps avoid misunderstandings and supports better medical decision-making down the line.
Making It Legal in Michigan
It may seem like typical paperwork, but this important document can prevent confusion and delays when clear decision-making is key.
In Michigan, the healthcare power of attorney is part of the durable power of attorney for health care. To make it official, you'll need to complete the correct form and sign it in the presence of two witnesses.
You can download a state-appropriate form from Trinity Health Plan of Michigan or request one from your primary care provider in Coldwater. Once signed, make sure your proxy has a copy, and store a copy safely with your other senior legal documents.
When to Review and Update Your Documents
As your life changes, you should amend your medical documents accordingly. It's always worth checking that they still reflect your current needs and views.
Your choices today might not reflect your thinking five years from now. As life changes, your documents should evolve to reflect who you are now.
Revisit your healthcare power of attorney every few years or after a major life event. For example, if you experience a health crisis or your chosen agent is no longer available, it's time to update. Making these changes while you're still healthy gives you full control and avoids difficulty later.
How It Fits Into Broader Planning
A healthcare power of attorney is one part of a larger framework. It works best when paired with other tools like a living will, a HIPAA release form, and general durable power of attorney.
Many families also include this in their estate planning for older adults to ensure everything is coordinated. Putting a plan in place gives your family peace of mind and ensures doctors and nurses always hear your voice. The Mayo Clinic recommends pairing your power of attorney with a living will for added clarity and protection.
Community Help Available
Coldwater has several resources that can support you through this process. Local hospitals, clinics, and elder law attorneys can explain your options. If you live in or are considering a senior living community, many offer direct support with forms and discussions.
You can also raise this topic during your next checkup with your healthcare provider. Doctors and nurses are often trained to guide patients through these conversations and help them document their future healthcare choices.
How LakeHouse Coldwater Supports You
If you're a resident of a senior living community, you're not alone. Many communities offer hands-on support with documents like the healthcare power of attorney. Staff can help you fill out the paperwork, store it securely, and even help facilitate conversations with family members to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Completing the paperwork is important, but having people around you who understand and support your choices is what really brings peace of mind.
Make Sure It's Your Plan
Planning ahead protects you from unwanted medical treatment and reduces stress for those who care about you. Through a healthcare power of attorney, you ensure if something happens, your care reflects your values, not someone else's best guess.
In addition to peace of mind, life at LakeHouse Coldwater is full of joy and enrichment. Join friends for morning exercise classes or an inspiring art workshop. Partake in cooking sessions or musical performances under the stars. Have fun with our family and friend events that bring everyone together.
Interested in learning more about our Coldwater, MI community? Contact us today, and let's schedule a tour.
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