I enjoy travelling to different locations across India for holidays and pilgrimages. Having
travelled a lot over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to interact with people
from different walks of life, across all age groups.
In my post today, I’d like to talk about an important observation that I’ve made during the course of my travels.
During my pilgrimages to Gujarat and Rajasthan, I’ve met quite a few individuals over the
age of 50 who expressed their dreams of making the journey to places like Vaishnodevi,
Kailash ,Amarnath, etc. However, they all expressed a sense of discomfort when it came to
actually undertaking the trip, being fully aware of the level of physical strength and stamina
that are prerequisites for these journeys.
This got me thinking... why are so many people over 50 so afraid to take up these activities
that involve strength and physical activity? As a Doctor, I put on my medical hat and looked
at this from a nutrition point of view.
These are some of my observations:
Lack of nutritional awareness:
Nutrition is one of the most important issues that need to be addressed to ensure that our
bodies get the proper care they deserve as we age. Identifying and addressing age related
nutritional deficiencies in a timely manner will enable us to #livenonstop.
However, what is the right diet; which foods will help more than others; and what quantities are needed on a daily basis, are questions that most of the people I spoke to wanted answers to.
Understanding the nutritional gaps:
The general food habits in our country are a key reason for malnourishment seen in older adults.
Consumption of polished grains like rice and wheat, open pan cooking, heating and reheating food
all result in diminished nutrients in our diet. Further, our appetite reduces with age and digestion
slows down making it difficult to absorb nutrients from our food. Thus, those over 50 don’t often
make the transition required to ensure a balanced diet that provides the body with the extra energy
we require when we get older.
Nutrition supplements for the golden years:
Even though health conscious adults make changes like reducing oil consumption or including more
fruits and vegetables in their diets, what the body often needs on a daily basis, is more than what it
gets from our food - especially when it comes to important nutrients like Protein, Iron, Vitamin D
and Fiber. In such a situation the best answer to bridging those nutritional gaps could come in the form of a good, balanced nutritional supplement. This helps ensure a balanced nutrition intake,
delivering all essential nutrients, which is extremely important. This habit can help ensure that
hitting 50 doesn’t stop us and we can continue to #livenonstop without any worries or diminished
energy levels.
Nutrition & Exercise: A balancing act:
Balanced meals, necessary health supplements, along with moderate physical exercise like yoga and
brisk walking, can ensure that anyone over 50 continues to live a healthy, stress free life. Exercises to
strengthen various joints can address mobility problems people face with age. A healthy body
ensures a healthy mind and a good state of well being.
I must add that when I brought up these points with the people I interacted with on my journeys,
they were met with eager interest. These individuals seemed to comprehend that in order to
#livenonstop and fulfill their dream of making those long arduous journeys without stress, diet and
exercise were things they would need to focus on. I’m glad that my small observations helped them
realize that being healthy is not an end goal; it’s a way of living.
For inspirational stories of living nonstop, click here . It includes motivational stories and tips
that will encourage you or your older family member to #livenonstop and inspire them to fulfill their
dreams or life goals.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored in collaboration with Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd, but the views
shared in this article are personal.
Disclaimer: Any facts used in this post are meant for education purpose only.
travelled a lot over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to interact with people
from different walks of life, across all age groups.
In my post today, I’d like to talk about an important observation that I’ve made during the course of my travels.
During my pilgrimages to Gujarat and Rajasthan, I’ve met quite a few individuals over the
age of 50 who expressed their dreams of making the journey to places like Vaishnodevi,
Kailash ,Amarnath, etc. However, they all expressed a sense of discomfort when it came to
actually undertaking the trip, being fully aware of the level of physical strength and stamina
that are prerequisites for these journeys.
This got me thinking... why are so many people over 50 so afraid to take up these activities
that involve strength and physical activity? As a Doctor, I put on my medical hat and looked
at this from a nutrition point of view.
These are some of my observations:
Lack of nutritional awareness:
Nutrition is one of the most important issues that need to be addressed to ensure that our
bodies get the proper care they deserve as we age. Identifying and addressing age related
nutritional deficiencies in a timely manner will enable us to #livenonstop.
However, what is the right diet; which foods will help more than others; and what quantities are needed on a daily basis, are questions that most of the people I spoke to wanted answers to.
Understanding the nutritional gaps:
The general food habits in our country are a key reason for malnourishment seen in older adults.
Consumption of polished grains like rice and wheat, open pan cooking, heating and reheating food
all result in diminished nutrients in our diet. Further, our appetite reduces with age and digestion
slows down making it difficult to absorb nutrients from our food. Thus, those over 50 don’t often
make the transition required to ensure a balanced diet that provides the body with the extra energy
we require when we get older.
Nutrition supplements for the golden years:
Even though health conscious adults make changes like reducing oil consumption or including more
fruits and vegetables in their diets, what the body often needs on a daily basis, is more than what it
gets from our food - especially when it comes to important nutrients like Protein, Iron, Vitamin D
and Fiber. In such a situation the best answer to bridging those nutritional gaps could come in the form of a good, balanced nutritional supplement. This helps ensure a balanced nutrition intake,
delivering all essential nutrients, which is extremely important. This habit can help ensure that
hitting 50 doesn’t stop us and we can continue to #livenonstop without any worries or diminished
energy levels.
Nutrition & Exercise: A balancing act:
Balanced meals, necessary health supplements, along with moderate physical exercise like yoga and
brisk walking, can ensure that anyone over 50 continues to live a healthy, stress free life. Exercises to
strengthen various joints can address mobility problems people face with age. A healthy body
ensures a healthy mind and a good state of well being.
I must add that when I brought up these points with the people I interacted with on my journeys,
they were met with eager interest. These individuals seemed to comprehend that in order to
#livenonstop and fulfill their dream of making those long arduous journeys without stress, diet and
exercise were things they would need to focus on. I’m glad that my small observations helped them
realize that being healthy is not an end goal; it’s a way of living.
For inspirational stories of living nonstop, click here . It includes motivational stories and tips
that will encourage you or your older family member to #livenonstop and inspire them to fulfill their
dreams or life goals.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored in collaboration with Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd, but the views
shared in this article are personal.
Disclaimer: Any facts used in this post are meant for education purpose only.
