We have found this more difficult during the pandemic as we isolated ourselves from others, especially close family and friends. I found myself becoming depressed and unhappy for a while in 2020. It made me realize how much I enjoyed and depended on having a social life with friends and family.
The isolation was extremely hard for those of us who live alone with no partner to talk with. Many of us turned to food to soothe our feelings and often we ate the wrong things. I know I craved my comfort foods - mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, bread, especially biscuits. I found myself wanting ice cream and cake at ten o'clock at night.
This is what I should eat:
Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty fish lower levels of beta-amyloid which is a protein that causes Alzheimer’s, says a study by Tufts University.
I wish I knew a good way to eat sardines - a way to make them taste good. If anyone has a suggestion, please tell me.
I have become quite fond of salmon now. I buy fresh wild-caught salmon each week and have at least two meals from it. I also buy canned salmon and thanks to my dear departed friend, Ginny, I mix it with a little mayo, pickle juice and I eat it with crackers. Delicious. Makes a great lunch.
As we grow older our body changes, and it is even more important to have healthy eating habits.
Our metabolism slows, and our senses of smell and taste can change. I know mine has, especially since I had a virus in early 2020 before COVID 19 tests were available.
I have never been one to eat lots of processed food. I have always bought fresh produce, fresh meats and dairy. That was the food I ate growing up on the farm. I cook much like my mother cooked. But that means I have to cook every day. One of the problems as we age is we often don't feel like standing in the kitchen for long periods and preparing food.
With my recent health issues, I can't stand long before I am in pain. So, I want to take shortcuts with my meals. If it takes thirty minutes to make a meal, I am too fatigued to clean up the kitchen after I eat. I am more inclined to eat out because of this.
Malnutrition is one of the major health problems with older adults. My brother, in his nineties, tells me he doesn't get hungry and eats very little. He is extremely thin and I worry about him. However, he does take supplements religiously, and I hope that will keep him from becoming malnourished.
We know that our diet must be high in fiber, vegetables, fruits, and lean protein. These foods keep our energy up and aid our slow digestion. I have learned that I must limit red meat in my diet. I am learning how I can get protein from other sources. Beans are good but green leafy vegetables, spinach and collards and turnips are good for me. I try to eat them every week also. Like most people in the United States, I eat chicken every way possible.
My biggest problem with health care is a lack of physical exercise.
A study conducted in Sweden found exercise to be the number one contributor to long life. I want to walk, swim, to dance, but recently my balance is not too good and chronic pain interferes. Our muscles stiffen and shorten when we do not exercise but stretching improves that. Five minutes of stretching daily can make all the difference. That is why I feel so much better after my PT appointment. With physical therapy and my determination to keep moving, I am getting stronger and managing my life better and better.
Having a purpose in life is important to age well.
Although I am visiting my sister and enjoying a vacation, I have responsibilities for my work. That is another reason to enjoy life and accept the challenges I face as I mature in wisdom. I have a purpose.
