Vitamins & Minerals For Seniors

As we grow older it is important that we eat well and use good supplements. As we age our bodies change and they often become less efficient at assimilating the nutrients in the foods we eat.

What you can do to help

Eat a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables - studies have shown that most elderly have nutritional deficiencies.
Try to avoid fats, sugars and refined foods.
Insure that your teeth are well cared for or that your dentures are well fitting. It has been shown that poor chewing is the basis of much malnutrition in the elderly.
Insure that you have plenty of fish oil or take a supplement of evening primrose oil.
Remain active and avoid having other people do things for you. Continue to use your brain and body. It has been shown that continuing to use your brain and body will help you to stay younger longer.
If you are suffering from pain seek the advice of a health practitioner as pain, besides being a warning sign, is extremely debilitating and the cause of a host of other health problems.
Try to make sure that you have company as loneliness and depression lead to self neglect.
Maintain a positive outlook.
Take measures to boost your mental agility and memory (see...).
Take measures to boost your immune system (see...).

Supplements for seniors

Take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement, with extra antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium) to slow down the aging process.

Antioxidants can help prevent arthritis, cancer, dementia, heart disease, and adult onset diabetes.

Take vitamin B complex with constituents in the range of 25 to 50 mg, twice a day.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Davies, S. and A. Stewart., 1997, Nutritional Medicine. Pan.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books.

Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.