I’m a Doctor and Say Never Do This After 60 — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

As a doctor, I’m here to tell you that there are certain foods you should avoid after the age of 60. Eating the wrong foods can have a negative impact on your health, so it’s important to know what to eat and what not to eat. In this article, I’ll be discussing the “Eat This Not That” approach to eating after 60. I’ll explain why certain foods should be avoided and which foods are better for your health. By following this advice, you can ensure that you’re getting the nutrition you need to stay healthy and active.

I’m a Doctor and Say Never Do This After 60 — Eat This Not That

As you age, your body changes and so do your dietary needs. After the age of 60, it’s important to make sure you’re eating the right foods to keep your body healthy and strong. Here are some tips from a doctor on what to eat and what to avoid after 60.

What to Eat

Eating a balanced diet is important at any age, but especially after 60. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Eating foods that are high in fiber, such as oatmeal, beans, and nuts, can help keep your digestive system healthy. Eating foods that are rich in calcium, such as dairy products, can help keep your bones strong. Eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, can help reduce inflammation and improve your heart health.

What to Avoid

It’s important to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. These foods can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s also important to limit your intake of processed foods, which are often high in sodium and sugar. Eating too much sodium can increase your risk of high blood pressure. Eating too much sugar can increase your risk of diabetes and obesity.

Conclusion

Eating a healthy diet after 60 is essential for maintaining your health and wellbeing. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Limit your intake of processed foods, which are often high in sodium and sugar. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re eating the right foods to keep your body healthy and strong.

Your body changes as it gets older—this you know by now—and your sixties are a particularly crucial decade. How can you stay happy and healthy well into your golden years? As a doctor board certified in family medicine, with a career centered around the care for people with chronic illnesses including diabetes, congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation, I unfortunately have seen the mistakes people make. Read on to discover the health habits you should stop doing after 60, according to my experience as a physician. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

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We know that social isolation and loneliness are two social determinants of health that have negative impacts on people of all ages. In fact, the health effects of low social connection can be as dangerous as obesity and smoking. For example, there is a 57% increased risk of emergency department visits among heart failure patients who are lonely. While many individuals – especially seniors – may still be cautious about being in close contact with family or friends due to COVID-19, I encourage you to try to maintain connections and engage with others however you are most comfortable, whether it’s continuing with outside gatherings, wearing masks when in close contact or giving an elbow bump.

Woman wearing face mask looking at camera showing thumbs up after getting the covid-19 vaccine.
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Although the Omicron variant is milder than previous COVID-19 variants, seniors are still at increased risk of serious infection, especially as many older adults have chronic illnesses. Amid all the talk about COVID vaccines and boosters, it’s important we don’t lose sight of other key vaccinations such as the flu, pneumonia and shingles.

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When you’re younger, you might be able to get away with putting off a doctor’s appointment for awhile, but seniors have unique clinical needs and are at heightened risk for a variety of illnesses. In fact, more than 80% of seniors live with one or more chronic conditions, meaning they may require multiple specialists and sources of care. As you age it’s critical to take the time for your health needs and schedule annual physicals, screenings, and necessary follow-up visits. Older adults may also want to consider going to facilities that better meet their needs, such as CenterWell Senior Primary Care facilities. These facilities offer an extensive care team to address seniors’ physical needs as well as social determinants of health, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation. Additionally, CenterWell physicians average 40 minutes per patient visit, rather than the usual 15 to 20 minutes, and in most cases offer on-site pharmacy and lab, which provides a more convenient, one-stop experience.

RELATED: The #1 Cause of Diabetes

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 Staying physically active is an integral part of maintaining an active and healthy quality of life in your older years. This can include walking, jogging, yoga, weightlifting, and other activities. And if you’d prefer virtual activities, look to join a virtual exercise class like SilverSneakers. Be sure to speak with your physician about what exercises are right for you given your personal medical history.

RELATED: What Taking Zinc Does For Your Body, Say Experts

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Nearly 1 in 3 older adults express reservations about seeking help for mental health. It’s important that we continue to break down the stigma around mental health and encourage seniors to seek care for depression, anxiety, and other mental and emotional issues.

RELATED: If You Notice This on Your Body Have Your Heart Checked

      

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As we get older, many people tend to experience symptoms of cognitive decline. This problem has been exacerbated by COVID-19 which caused delays in care, social isolation, and routine disruptions for seniors, all contributing to decreased rates of cognitive function.

Older adults may be able to increase neural connections by stimulating the brain through mental games like crossword puzzles or Sudoku. Additionally, a recent study found that memory training activities can improve white matter integrity, which is associated with better short-term memory. And to ensure your health don’t miss these 101 Health Habits You Didn’t Know Were Deadly.