Maintaining your physical, mental and emotional health is important for healthy aging. Even a small change in your daily life can help you live longer and better. In most cases, you can maintain your physical health by staying active, eating and sleeping well, and visiting your doctor regularly.
Because many people lose their appetite as they age, it becomes more difficult to meet nutritional needs. This is another reason why some people turn to supplements.
Fortunately, supplements make it easy to meet your nutritional needs to support healthy aging and help you feel better.
Below is some of supplements that may help with healthy aging.
1- Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful ally in promoting healthy aging. From protecting heart health and cognitive function to reducing inflammation and supporting joint and bone health, omega-3s offer a wide range of benefits that help older adults maintain a higher quality of life as they age. By incorporating omega-3-rich foods or supplements into their diet, older adults can improve their longevity, prevent age-related diseases, and enjoy a healthier, more vibrant aging process.
some studies show that omega-3 can reduce brain health and protect against diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
You can meet your omega-3 needs by eating foods like fatty fish or using supplements like fish oil, krill oil, or algae oil.
Read also: Effects of Fish Oil on Your Body
2- Calcium
3- Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a critical role in healthy aging by supporting bone health, boosting immune function, promoting cardiovascular health, and enhancing mood and cognitive function. As people age, vitamin D becomes even more important because the body’s ability to produce and absorb it decreases, putting older adults at greater risk for deficiencies and the associated health issues.
Vitamin D, sometimes called the “sunshine vitamin,” is a fat-soluble vitamin that your skin makes in response to sunlight. However, because it only occurs in very limited food sources, many people are at risk of becoming deficient.
4- Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, responsible for providing structure, strength, and elasticity and hydration to skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As we age, the natural production of collagen decreases, leading to signs of aging such as wrinkles, joint pain, and weakened bones.
Collagen supplements have become popular for their potential to slow down these effects and promote healthy aging.
Collagen is an important component of the blood vessels that carry blood throughout the body. With age, the walls of blood vessels can weaken, leading to issues like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Collagen supplements may help strengthen blood vessels, improving circulation and reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Read also: Collagen health benefits
5- B vitamins
B vitamins help the body process energy and are needed by the body’s red and white blood cells to function. People with low levels of vitamins B6 and B12 may experience anemia. – Vitamin B12 levels are lower in the elderly, and as we age, it becomes more difficult for us to absorb or use it because its bioavailability decreases.
What’s more, some studies suggest that vitamin B deficiency may be associated with cognitive decline, osteoporosis, and heart disease in older adults.
While most healthy adults can meet their needs for some B vitamins (such as folate, riboflavin, biotin and thiamine) through a balanced diet, others may need additional supplements. This can be especially important for those who follow a strict diet or have health conditions that affect nutrient absorption. In addition, adults over the age of 50 are at increased risk for vitamin B12 deficiency and should consult a healthcare professional to determine if they need vitamin B12 supplements.
Vitamin B is found in meat, eggs, fish and green leafy vegetables. Taking a daily multivitamin is an easy way to ensure seniors get the recommended amount.
Dr. Julian Miles is a board-certified general medicine physician with over a decade of experience in delivering comprehensive care to individuals of all ages. With a focus on preventive medicine, holistic wellness, and chronic disease management.
