Seniors are sometimes vulnerable to changes in mood, and emotional health issues can be a real concern for those 65 and older. However, adding certain healthy foods to your senior loved one’s diet can actually help him or feel better. Here is a list of a few foods your loved one may want to try for this purpose, brought to you by the Oakville home care experts at Home Care Assistance.
Bananas
A banana is the perfect, complete food to help your loved one feel happier. This potassium-rich, yellow fruit can keep your loved one alert, its high iron content can help fight off anemia, and it is full of fiber, making it a natural laxative. Bananas are particularly ideal for seniors because they contain calming B vitamins and tryptophan, an amino acid that helps stimulate mood-boosting hormones like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.
Fish
Studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids present in certain fish may offer therapeutic benefits. These amazing oils can increase the dopamine levels in your loved one’s brain, creating a happier state of mind for him or her. Salmon, herring, sardines, and tuna are all excellent choices to eat twice a week, and omega-3 fatty acids also help protect the heart.
Beans and Legumes
Beans, legumes, lentils, and peas are rich in carbohydrates and low-fat proteins. These incredible foods contain the micromineral selenium, and research shows selenium may help seniors with mild to moderate depression raise their moods. Beans also contain folate, another vitamin that has been proven to prevent depression.
Yogurt
The probiotics found in live yogurt can help enhance your loved one’s mood in a few ways. Recent studies indicate enjoying a cup of yogurt can alter brain chemistry and treat stress and low mood. Scientists claim this superfood helps lower stress hormones found in the blood. It’s also packed with calcium, which may induce restful sleep.
Eating the right foods and having regular social stimulation are both known to make seniors happier, and a professional caregiver can help in both instances. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers can provide companionship, shop for groceries and prepare nutritious meals, and help with a wide array of other tasks. For seniors who need more extensive assistance, we also offer Alzheimer’s, post-stroke, and Parkinson’s care in Oakville. To learn more about how our senior care services can help boost your loved one’s mood, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (905) 337-1200 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.