In some countries, including the United States, food policy suggests eating a healthy variety of foods every day. Physical changes can also occur as you age. As lean body mass is lost, total water in the body decreases, body fat increases and bones may weaken. To stop these changes, read further to find ways you can eat to stay healthy. Too much fat in your diet can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, some types of cancer and high blood pressure.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.
Find ways reduce the total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet of elders you care for, especially if they have risk factors for these diseases. No one can predict who will develop high blood pressure, another factor leading to increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Some salt in the diet is necessary for normal functioning of the body cells and fluid maintenance. However, when people have too much salt in their diets, there is a greater chance of high blood pressure. Think of ways to reduce salt in your diet or the diet of elders you care for, especially if they are prone to high blood pressure.