Good nutrition and other activities for a healthy lifestyle are key factors in aging and reducing the risk of many chronic diseases. Although calorie needs may change with age, nutrients like protein and vitamin B12 may need to be increased, as highlighted by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Consequently, finding the best protein supplements may be on your mind for your health or for that of someone you love. While any final selection of supplements should be made with healthcare providers, here are some tips and recommendations to support your preliminary search for the best protein supplements for seniors.
Why is Finding the Best Protein Supplements for Seniors So Important?
According to MedicalNewsToday, bone, muscle and heart health depend on protein intake. Additionally, protein may even play a role in brain health as discussed by Harvard Health. Weight management and recovery in the event of illness or other health problems may also be supported by adequate protein consumption. For some older individuals, choosing the best protein supplements is about maintaining the good health that they have already cultivated. For others, this dietary addition may help address various health concerns, such as muscle loss that happens over time. While a supplement is not a magic solution, fulfilling the body’s protein needs helps contribute to the overall quality of life, especially for seniors.
What Types of Protein Supplements for Seniors are Available?
While the best senior protein supplements can be beneficial, it’s generally not recommended that they replace nutrition from whole foods entirely, although in some cases this circumstance may be necessary. With more attention to nutrient needs, some seniors may be able to achieve the necessary protein increase by intentionally incorporating more high-protein foods at each meal, such as eggs, tuna or lentils. However, a variety of protein supplements are also available and come in forms like powders, drinks and bars. Additionally, the protein itself may come from different sources including whey, soy and peas.
How to Find The Best Protein Supplements for You
While some seniors and their families may turn to elderly meal delivery services to help ensure nutritional needs are met, others may try to simplify this effort with the best protein supplement for seniors that they can find. If you are beginning this search, these questions may help you with your exploration and narrowing your selection:
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What personal preferences exist around flavor, texture or food habits?
As discussed by the National Institute on Aging, senses like taste and smell may change with age. Consequently, these changes may contribute to issues with appropriate nutrition, resulting in the need for protein supplements in the first place. Choosing an appealing flavor is more likely to increase one’s consistency with and commitment to taking that supplement. Therefore, as you consider protein options, think about whether a supplement will need to be transformed into a treat like a smoothie or if its intended flavor profile will make it enticing. Similarly, textural food needs or even dental factors may make a liquid form preferable to a crunchier or chewier form, like a protein bar. Finally, the introduction of a protein supplement may not be the time to try a non-preferred food source. Even though the supplement won’t look like beef or peas, sometimes just seeing the name of a familiar food may help ease into the supplement integration.
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Do any health conditions or conflicts with existing medications need to be considered?
From food allergies to kidney concerns, protein supplements are intended to support overall health not to cause additional problems. For example, a supplement may reduce the effectiveness of another medication or impact other nutrient levels that are being monitored. Therefore, making sure to have a clearly itemized list of your current prescriptions and conditions in addition to intended goals for protein supplementation can be helpful in making decisions about a protein selection with your healthcare professional. As encouraged by the American Medical Association, the best protein supplement for seniors (and supplement selection in general!) is one that is tailored to the needs of each specific individual.
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How much protein is needed?
Activity level, weight, current intake and health all impact how much protein a person at any age needs. While the right amount of protein offers many benefits, too much protein for seniors can cause digestive complications or kidney issues, as shared by Harvard Health. For this reason as well as any known health conditions and medication considerations, the final decision about protein supplement selection is best decided in collaboration with your designated healthcare professional. Similarly, other ingredients from bonus vitamins to the amount of sugar in the supplement may need to be accounted for in deciding on the right protein supplement.
Finding the best protein supplements for seniors is one way to support their overall health. Becoming part of a senior living community like Arbors of Hop Brook is another. From our extensive wellness offerings to our emphasis on comprehensive care, our assisted living community is dedicated to supporting all of your healthcare needs. Take a virtual tour today or come visit our residence in person!