Adding a glass of orange juice to your senior loved one’s breakfast can provide a good start to the day. Orange juice contains more than 100 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that’s necessary for good health. Eating a diet rich in vitamin C offers the following health benefits for elderly people.
Resets Metabolism & Offsets Weight Gain
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 29 percent of people over the age of 65 were obese in 2020, and the number of obese seniors is expected to rise over the next few years. One reason for weight gain during the senior years is because metabolism slows down with age. A study done by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder shows taking vitamin C may increase metabolism. Vitamin C removes oxidative stress and helps seniors increase their metabolism and lose weight.
Slow metabolism is just one of the many common health issues older adults experience. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional caregivers who provide high-quality in-home care. Trust Embrace In-Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Strengthens the Immune System
Immune cells decrease with age, putting seniors at increased risk for contracting colds or the flu. Vitamin C can maintain the function of immune cells. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that seniors who took a high dose of vitamin C every day for a year maintained a steady level of immune cells, while participants who didn’t take the vitamin daily had a decrease in cell number and function.
Increases Skin Elasticity
Elasticity in the skin naturally decreases with age, causing wrinkles, drooping, and sagging. Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen, which helps the skin retain its elasticity. Taking vitamin C daily also helps the body produce more collagen, which can enhance the appearance of skin.
Seniors with insufficient vitamin C intake may experience an array of health issues, making it difficult to care for them. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Green Valley, Arizona, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Embrace In-Home Care. Our respite caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity.
Promotes Faster Wound Healing
If your loved one becomes injured, vitamin C can help him or her recover quicker. According to a 2001 study published in Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, individuals who took vitamin C experienced shortened healing times for fractured bones compared to those who didn’t take this vitamin. Additionally, the FDA’s Office of Dietary Supplements warns that individuals who are deficient in vitamin C may have a difficult time recovering from surgery.
Enhances Cancer Treatment
Seniors who have cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy may benefit from taking vitamin C. A study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine found that people who received intravenous vitamin C had a reduction in the side effects of chemotherapy. Researchers also found that the vitamin enhanced the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Eating nutrient-dense foods is one of the many ways older adults can boost their health and wellbeing. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a trusted provider of Green Valley senior care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Call us at (520) 625-2050 to learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans.