Being surrounded by a wealth of information gives you access to many resources, but it may not be easy to separate fact from fiction. This Seniors Health and Fitness Day, we are debunking five common health myths.
Myth 1: It is okay to skip meals if you are not hungry
It is never okay to skip meals. Skipping meals may lead to low blood sugar. Missing a meal is not a healthy habit to sustain. It is common for someone who is constantly missing meals to have further loss of appetite and can increase other health issues. You may be skipping meals to lose weight, but in fact, you are putting yourself at risk for gaining weight! If you want to lose weight, you should have many small meals a day. Make sure to consult a health professional before making changes to your diet.
Myth 2: You lose your appetite when you turn 60
Your metabolism does slow down as you age, and a gradual loss of appetite is usual. However, having a sudden loss of desire to eat should be brought up with your health professional. Decreased sense of smell or taste, dental or digestion problems could be the reason for the loss of appetite.
Myth 3: Seniors need less protein intake than when they were younger
This is definitely a myth! Seniors need more protein on average than a younger person, as recommended by Registered Dieticians. Those recovering from illness, injury or surgery may need more to help them recover. Milk, meat, eggs, and tofu are rich sources of proteins. Consult a health professional about the best way to incorporate protein into your diet.
Myth 4: All seniors should maintain a low sodium diet
While a high sodium diet puts you at risk for high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and kidney disease, a sodium deficiency can cause nausea, headache, confusion, and fatigue. It also maintains the fluid and electrolyte balance and regulates heart and kidney functioning. Balance is key. Low sodium food can be bland and unappetizing. To learn more about how much sodium should be in your diet, visit Canada.ca.
Myth 5: It’s too late to start eating healthy!
It’s never too late to work on your health. Making a dietary or lifestyle change can reduce the risk of and prevent the onset of several diseases. Following a nutritious diet and incorporating different activities is a critical way to leading a healthy, productive, and active lifestyle into your 60s and beyond.
