Whether you're 7 or 77, drinking milk at any age is important for good health. Milk is a good source of vitamin D and calcium, which older adults tend to need more of, to maintain bone strength, preserve muscle strength, and prevent osteoporosis.
Drinking more dairy milk may improve brain health in older adults, KU Medical Center researchers find. Older adults who drink three cups of dairy milk a day can increase their brain's level of a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the brain from the damage that accompanies aging and aging-related diseases.
Which type of milk is best for the elderly? Low-fat or non-fat milk is a good source of vitamin D and other nutrients. The elderly may drink fresh milk, but those who have lactose-related intolerance may choose lactose-free versions.
Older adults tend to need more vitamin D and calcium, so an 80-year-old's Diet should include two to three glasses of low or non-fat milk.
Summary: A new study shows drinking low-fat milk -- both nonfat and 1% milk -- is significantly associated with less aging in adults.
Whether you're 7 or 77, drinking milk at any age is important for good health. Milk is a good source of vitamin D and calcium, which older adults tend to need more of, to maintain bone strength, preserve muscle strength, and prevent osteoporosis.
Drinking milk is beneficial for health regardless of your age. Milk is an excellent vitamin D and calcium source to keep up muscle strength, maintain healthy bones, and prevent osteoporosis. Still, low or non-fat milk is the best choice for the elderly.
Even though many nutrients are found in milk, some seniors may not want to drink it because it makes them feel sick and bloated. Like any other food item, it's important for seniors who want to drink milk to take a balanced approach. Seniors should avoid excessive consumption and limit it to a glass or two a day.
Age 60 and older
Drinking 1 cup of milk per day of either whole, 2%, 1%, or nonfat dairy milk, provides 8 grams of protein in your day. Therefore, milk is an easy way to get close to the recommended daily amount of protein for an adult 60 and older.
Cheese is an excellent calcium and vitamin D source. Hence, pasteurized firm cheese is a perfect addition to an older person's food plan. However, soft cheeses such as brie, goat cheese, and camembert have high moisture levels and low acidity, so that they may contain illness-causing bacteria.
Bananas are good for the elderly because they may relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, brighten the mood, and enhance restful sleep. In addition, bananas are typically well-tolerated by seniors who may not have an appetite if they're living with emotional health issues.
Green Tea
Not only is it one of the best drinks for dehydration in elderly parents, but it's also chock-full of antioxidants and natural compounds that help reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage, and even fight cancer.
Seniors should eat plenty of citrus fruits to obtain enough vitamin C in their day. Vitamin C is known to produce antibodies, which boost immunity and help older adults fight off infections. Some examples of vitamin C rich foods are oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers, tangerines, grapefruit, and strawberries.
Experts generally recommend that older adults consume at least 1.7 liters of fluid per 24 hours. This corresponds to 57.5 fluid ounces, or 7.1 cups. What are the best fluids to prevent dehydration?
Milk has been shown to help improve cognitive function and memory. It is a great source of protein, vitamin D, potassium, and calcium – all important nutrients for optimal brain health. If you're looking for an easy way to give your brain a little boost, consider adding milk to your diet.
As a general rule, you should take one-third of your body weight and drink that number of ounces in fluids. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim to drink 50 ounces of water each day. However, it's best to talk to your doctor to determine how much water you should be drinking daily.
Unfortunately many adults gradually lose the necessary digestive enzymes from their gastrointestinal tract, and they become intolerant of milk. However, if it can be tolerated then milk is a very good food from infancy through old age.
Milk is a good source of vitamin D for boosting calcium intake and reducing your loved one's risk of osteoporosis and fractures. A serving of reduced-fat milk contains 2 IUs of vitamin D, one-fifth of the recommended daily intake. Encourage your loved one to consume milk regularly and reap these health benefits.
Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
So it's usually recommended that kids 1 to 2 years old drink whole milk. Then, if their growth is steady, it's safe to switch to low-fat or nonfat (skim) milk. Note: Kids at risk of becoming overweight can be switched to lower-fat milk before turning 2.
Drinking too much milk can cause digestive issues such as bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. If your body is not able to break down lactose properly, it travels through the digestive system and is broken down by gut bacteria. Because of this reason, gassiness and other digestive issues can happen.
Based on these factors, the best milk for osteoporosis is low-fat or skim milk that is fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Other good options include soy milk, almond milk, and other plant-based milks that are fortified with these nutrients.
The World Health Organization recommends that people over 65 consume 1200 mg of calcium every day. This amounts to four cups of milk, orange juice, soy or almond milk. Those amounts may seem like a lot, so consider supplements supervised by their doctor or nutritionist.
You can become lactose intolerant as you get older, but this doesn't mean that you have to stop drinking milk. "If lactose digestion is a problem, then lactose-free milk or soy milk can be good substitutes," Fitzgerald says. "Soy milk is low in saturated fat and still is a good source of protein."
Plain Greek yogurt
When it comes to protein, Greek yogurt delivers. Just one cup has 17 grams of protein as well as 20% of the daily recommended intake of calcium. Why else is Greek yogurt considered one of the best superfoods for seniors? It contains probiotics, which help us maintain gut health.