Adding soy to a senior’s diet can boost his or her overall health and keep several diseases at bay. Here are some of the reasons your senior loved one may want to eat more soy as he or she ages.
1. Prevent Prostate Cancer
Once a man reaches the age of 50, he is at an increased risk for developing prostate cancer. However, a few studies have shown that adding a little soy to the diet can decrease this risk by up to 70 percent. Adding soy to the diet of a senior male with prostate cancer may also combat the disease. Having your loved one drink a cup of soy milk or enjoy a bowl of cereal with soy milk each day is a great way to add this food to the diet.
2. Protect Bones
Women should also consider adding a cup of soy milk to their daily diets. Several studies have shown that perimenopausal and postmenopausal women who consumed soy regularly saw less bone loss and, in some cases, even an increase in bone mass. This could prove helpful for women who are at risk for osteoporosis in their senior years.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
3. Lower Cholesterol
High cholesterol puts seniors at risk for a number of cardiovascular conditions, and the older people get, the harder it is to keep cholesterol under control. Animal products such as beef and cheese are full of saturated fats that can cause high cholesterol. If your loved one has high cholesterol, try substituting cheese with a soy version, which is lower in saturated fat.
4. Boost Memory
Memory loss is fairly normal with age, and some seniors are at risk for memory-related diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. While the science is still somewhat undecided, some studies have shown a link between soy and memory. Adding a little soy to your loved one’s diet can sharpen his or her mind and preserve memories.
If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Highland Park seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that promotes cognitive health and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to.
5. Promote Digestive Health
Research suggests adults over the age of 60 are at increased risk for digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. Replacing your loved one’s favorite dairy products with soy versions may soothe the symptoms of these conditions. Soy doesn’t contain lactose, an ingredient many people cannot tolerate in large doses. Furthermore, soy contains carbohydrates called fructooligosaccharides, which foster a healthy environment where good intestinal bacteria can thrive.
6. Stabilize Blood Sugar
If your loved one has diabetes or other problems that cause a spike in blood sugar, eating soy can help with blood sugar management. One of the most low-glycemic foods available, soy can stabilize blood sugar levels over time, which can also boost mood throughout the day.
7. Increase Protein Intake
Studies suggest nearly half of all seniors, particularly those over 70, don’t eat enough protein. This is especially true for those who are vegetarians or who simply don’t like the taste of meat. Protein is important for building and maintaining muscles. After reaching the age of 50, people lose up to 2 percent of muscle mass each year. Soy is an excellent source of protein, and you can find soy versions of your loved one’s favorite animal products at the grocery store.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care. Highland Park Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Call (214) 363-3400 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.