In healthy aging, it is important to consider the nutrients of concern in older adults!
“Nutrients of Concern” are dietary components that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans have identified as at risk for underconsumption. There are a few nutrients of concern that apply to everyone, but additional nutrients may be highlighted for specific life stages.
For older adults specifically, these nutrients deserve some extra attention:
Summer is here and the sun is shining bright! Vitamin D, or the Sunshine Vitamin, is produced in your skin in response to sunlight. It is an important nutrient that promotes calcium absorption and can help support bone health, heart health, immune function, muscle function, including nervous system function.
"Wellness to me, means a healthy state of contentment and to be in a state of equilibrium. Wellness is having the tools to turn negative situations into positive ones, to have the resources to grow and to pursue passions in life."
"I was interested in doing more on campus and the notion of being a Wellness Ambassador resonated with me after learning more about the program. I like the holistic approach this program and the campus has taken to well-being."
Alzheimer’s Disease refers to a specific disease where neurons in the brain stop functioning properly, lose connections with other neurons, and die. With this progressive and irreversible degeneration, Alzheimer’s can cause dementia and eventually more severe symptoms. This disease tends to be more common among older adults, but it is not a normal part of aging!
Being physically active has many benefits. It helps you keep a strong immune system, sleep better, feel better and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Movement is among the most accessible and effective ways to improve physical and mental health!
"The most rewarding part of being a wellness ambassador has been to see employees participate and enjoy the wellness activities..." - Patty Covington-Fleming
