Eating can make a senior happy for a variety of reasons, but some food contains nutrients that specifically make the brain experience positive feelings. Since elderly people are often susceptible to issues with mood and depression, it’s especially important for you to include the right foods in your senior loved one’s diet to help him or her stay happy and healthy. Here’s a list of healthy, mood-boosting foods your loved one may want to eat more frequently.
1. Green Tea
Full of healthy nutrients and antioxidants, green tea is a brain health powerhouse. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that increases dopamine production in the brain to boost mood. Green tea can also protect the brain against Alzheimer’s.
2. Bananas
Bananas are rich in vitamins B6, A, and C, and they are also a good source of carbohydrates. They contain the amino acid tryptophan, which works together with B6 to make serotonin in the body. Many researchers believe an imbalance in serotonin levels can lead to depression, making bananas a satisfying and healthy snack for your loved one.
A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support and information when it comes to getting proper nutrition. Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust Senior Care Fremont experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
3. Dark Chocolate
Eating dark chocolate can increase feelings of pleasure and elevate mood by stimulating the production of endorphins. Dark chocolate also contains serotonin to prevent depression and phenylethylamine, another chemical in the brain that produces euphoric feelings.
4. Spinach
Spinach is packed with nutrients that enhance mood. It’s rich in folic acid, zinc, and magnesium, all of which protect the brain against anxiety. An easy way to incorporate spinach in your loved one’s diet is with a daily green smoothie. If you include a banana and a tablespoon of cocoa in the smoothie, you’ll have a healthy drink to serve your loved one that will help him or her remain happy.
Making sure your loved one eats healthy foods can sometimes be a challenge. Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Fremont, CA, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our 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.
5. Yogurt
The probiotic organisms in yogurt and other cultured foods make it a good choice for seniors. Recent studies show lactobacillus and other bacteria in the gut have a positive effect on the brain, including mood. Bacteria found in yogurt also contribute to healthy digestion, which can have a positive impact on your loved one’s feelings and mood.
A trained professional caregiver can be an ideal resource when you’re trying to help your senior loved one lead a healthier lifestyle. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. Fremont families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. Assisting Hands Home Care can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
