Eating a healthy diet offers so many benefits to seniors. They can keep health issues under better control, reduce muscle loss, and improve their immune systems all by consciously choosing to eat a diet rich in nutrients. But they might also be able to help themselves experience better overall moods. Senior home care providers can make it easier for aging adults to eat the foods that help their bodies and their moods.
Happy Chemicals and Food
“Happy chemicals” are ones that the brain releases to help people feel good. These are chemicals like endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.
Each chemical does slightly different things, but in general, the results are supposed to be positive. Serotonin naturally boosts moods, while dopamine is considered a reward or pleasure chemical. Endorphins help to improve moods and relieve pain, while oxytocin is considered the “love” hormone.
The body uses nutrients from food to make these chemicals.
Examples of Foods to Try
Seniors should always talk to their doctors before making big changes to their diets. In general, foods that are nutrient-dense are the best choices. That means choosing fruits and vegetables that are fresh, canned, or frozen, along with whole grains, proteins, and foods that are rich in healthy fats.
Foods like salmon that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and protein break down and allow the body to create a variety of “happy chemicals.”
Avoiding Foods That Bust Mood
Not all foods have the impact people want on their moods. Processed foods, for instance, can lead to inflammation and other uncomfortable symptoms. Some of those symptoms include worsening moods. Too much sugar can cause energy fluctuations, specifically crashes.
Moods can also be influenced by sugar, resulting in a mood crash. Skipping meals leads to irregular and usually low blood sugar, which leads to irritability.
Improving Moods with Food
Putting all of that together means that it just might be possible for seniors to improve their moods if they improve their diets. That isn’t always as easy as it sounds, though. Seniors sometimes have trouble keeping up with high-energy tasks, like cooking healthy meals.
Having some help from senior home care providers with grocery shopping, preparing meals, and cleaning up can make eating healthier a more attainable goal.
Making Lifestyle Changes More Easily
Lifestyle changes are sometimes necessary, but they’re not always easy to do, especially for aging adults. Working with senior home care providers makes it easier for older adults to have the support they need to make some of these changes.
Eating foods that might be new to them or trying out new recipes can take a lot of energy that seniors may not have available. Senior home care providers can take on those tasks, letting seniors conserve their energy.
As seniors age, they may need to pay closer attention to what helps them to experience good moods and just feel good overall. If making changes to their diets helps, then that’s a win overall.
Senior home care providers can help aging adults figure out what foods they enjoy that also give them the best nutritional punch. They can also help with other necessary tasks that offer just as much of a boost to seniors’ overall quality of life.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Senior Home Care in Chandler, AZ, please contact the caring staff at Legacy Home Care today. Call (480) 777-0070
Legacy Home Care is a top provider of home care services in Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Sun Lakes, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix, and surrounding areas.
Legacy Home Care has been serving the valley since 2007. We are family owned and operated with over 75 caregivers. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as: Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans' Home Care program.
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