Vitamin C is an important nutrient that impacts immune health, cardiovascular function, and skin elasticity. To ward off illness and stay in good physical condition, seniors should strive to get their daily dose of vitamin C. Here are a few benefits of vitamin C for seniors.
Enhances Immune Health
The immune system weakens with age, making seniors susceptible to diseases that range from the common cold to pneumonia. Seniors need vitamin C because it protects against deficiencies in the aging immune system. The vitamin increases white blood cell production, which wards off infection and disease. Vitamin C also provides key antioxidant protection, shielding white blood cells from free radicals. When seniors do get sick, vitamin C may speed up the recovery process.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted senior home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.
Reduces Oxidative Stress
As an antioxidant, vitamin C protects white blood cells and prevents free radical damage throughout the body. Insufficient vitamin C intake can lead to oxidative stress, which occurs when free radicals and other harmful molecules damage the cells and impair their function. Oxidative stress hastens the aging process, leading to wrinkled skin, clogged arteries, and other conditions, and the damage caused by free radicals is associated with several health issues. To ward off oxidative stress and protect their cells, tissues, and DNA against damage, older adults need antioxidants like vitamin C.
Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Studies show vitamin C boosts heart health. When aging adults get the right amount of vitamin C, it can lower their blood pressure levels by relaxing the vessels crucial to healthy blood flow. Vitamin C may also lower bad cholesterol levels. To mitigate the risk factors that lead to heart disease and stroke, a diet rich in vitamin C is essential.
Some older adults need assistance preparing nutrient-dense meals. If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Oakville seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Increases Iron Absorption
When seniors don’t absorb enough iron, they’re at risk for anemia and other conditions. Anemia occurs due to inadequate levels of healthy red blood cells, and it’s relatively common in people over the age of 65. Iron helps the body produce hemoglobin, the substance that allows red blood cells to transport oxygen. Without adequate iron, the health of red blood cells diminishes.
Even with enough iron in the diet, the body may not be able to absorb it in sufficient quantities. By increasing vitamin C intake, the body has an easier time absorbing iron. Seniors who have anemia or are at risk for this disease should make sure their daily dose of iron is paired with vitamin C.
Vitamin deficiency is just one of the many issues older adults are prone to. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care service. Oakville families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (905) 337-1200 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.