The Millstone Times March 2020

As We Age

ADVICE FOR THE AGING COMMUNITY March is National Nutrition Month Sheli Monacchio-Caring Connections of New Jersey President March is National Nutrition month and we would like to remind you to be aware of how important it is to eat right when you are 65 or over. As we grow older and our metabolism slows down, we need fewer calories but that does not mean you need less nutrients. It is important to choose foods that have the biggest nutri- tional value. Your plate should look like a rainbow, filled with foods like lean meats, fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy and whole grains. Stick to foods that are high in fiber and lower in sodium. There are some foods that have proven to have negative effects on the brain which impact your memory and mood and actually increase your risk for dementia. Stay away from refined carbs such as sugar and highly processed grains, sugary drinks, saturated fats, industry produced trans fats and artifi- cial sweeteners for your optimum brain health. Have may have heard of diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Have you heard of type 3 diabetes? This form of diabetes is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and occurs when neurons in the brain fail to respond to insulin. This direct- ly effects memory and learning. The symptoms of type 3 diabetes are described as the symptoms of demen- tia, such as those seen in early Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alz- heimer’s Association, type 3 diabetes symptoms appear as memory loss that affects social interactions and activities of daily living or difficulty complet- ing tasks that should be otherwise familiar. You can be proactive by choosing to eat a healthy diet with the tips above. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of diabetes type 3, be sure to speak to your doctor. If you are having a hard time getting to the grocery store to shop for grocer- ies or are on a tight budget, you may eligible for meals on wheels or other senior meal programs which provide nutritious meals. If you are on a tight budget and are unable to afford groceries, we urge you to call us for a list of the food banks in your area. Please call 609-960-2265 if you would like to learn about resources in your local area to assist you with your nutrition needs or visit www.caringconnectionsnj.org to see resources in your county.

GET A GRIP! Afraid of Falling?

Grab Bars, Hand Showers and more with Professional Installation 609-451-0225 www.ThatGrabBarGuy.com NJHIC 13VH02497500 • Division of TSS, Inc

WWW.CARINGCONNECTIONSNJ.ORG

76 The Millstone Times

March 2020