The Edmond Sun

Local News

Discussion

March 29, 2008

Getting older? Eat healthier

EDMOND — If you are approaching age 50, your body is getting ready to change drastically.

At about age 50, the body’s metabolism, the rate at which it burns calories, slows considerably. The body digests food differently and the need for healthful meals increases.

As part of National Nutrition Month this month, experts at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center urge Oklahomans to pay attention to changing nutritional needs as they grow older. Good food choices and exercise in your 50s can have a significant effect on your health and quality of life in your 60s, 70s and 80s, experts said, even if you haven’t eaten well before.

“It’s never too late to start,” said Karen Funderburg, a registered and licensed dietitian at the OU College of Allied Health. “The nutritional needs are not all that different than what we recommend for everyone, but special attention is needed after age 50 because of changes in absorption and utilization of nutrients that can lead to subtle health changes over time.”

Nutritional experts suggest Oklahomans age 50-plus follow these guidelines to improve the chance of a healthful, active old age:

• Exercise — Even a little exercise, especially walking, is better than none. Exercise helps maintain and build muscle that is lost as we age, which increases metabolism. Exercise also helps maintain a healthier heart and helps prevent illnesses and some diseases.

• Take supplements — It is important for anyone older than age 50 to consider the need for an age-appropriate multivitamin. If daily intakes of fruits, vegetables and whole grains fall below the recommended amounts, then a daily supplement should be added. Calcium and vitamin D play a key role in bone health. If daily consumption of dairy products and calcium-fortified foods is below three servings, a calcium and vitamin D supplement is recommended.

• Spice it up — After age 40, the number of taste buds decrease, causing many people to eat more bitter and sweet foods. Adding natural herbs and spices to meals can keep food healthy and appealing without adding more salt and sugar.

• Fortify and Fiber — Drink more calcium-fortified juices, yogurt and other products. If you eat cereal, switch to whole-grain cereal, shredded wheat or oatmeal.

• Fruits and veggies — Eat 2 cups of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables with variety each day. One serving can be a cup of frozen or fresh fruit or half a cup of dried fruit. Vegetables can include soups, vegetable juice, tomato pasta sauce, stir fry or a cup of fresh or frozen vegetables.

Text Only
Local News
  • $6.8B budget crosses final hurdle

    House members found enough votes late Thursday afternoon to approve the state’s $6.8 billion budget for next year by a vote of 52-42. This came after an earlier vote failed by four votes in the House Thursday morning.

    May 25, 2012

  • Santa Fe principal resigns

    Edmond Santa Fe High School principal Earl Kirkpatrick resigned Thursday to explore possibilities in the field of ministry. His last day is June 30.

    May 25, 2012

  • devin derrick 2012.jpg Hollywood dreams do come true: Edmondite develops film, music career

    It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.
    At least that is what Edmond resident and 1990 Edmond High School graduate Devin Derrick will tell you about his rise to fame in the music and movie businesses.

    May 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • ASK A LAWYER: Trusts provide options for difficult heirs

    Q: We have a grown daughter who has a gambling problem. We want to provide for her in our will, but also want to protect her share from being wasted after we die. How can we do this?
    A: Your situation is not unusual. Most of us know at least one person who has difficulty handling money for one reason or another.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Pets

    This is a list of animals that have been found and are at the Edmond Animal Shelter, at Interstate 35 and Covell in the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex. Call the shelter at 216-7615 for more information.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Police and Fire

    Information in this column is gathered from city fire incident logs and police incident reports.

    May 25, 2012

  • Make-A-Wish Oklahoma hosts Lexus raffle

    Make-A-Wish Oklahoma will once again partner with Lexus of Tulsa and Eskridge Lexus of Oklahoma City to raffle off a new Lexus, raising funds to support the organization’s efforts to grant the heartfelt wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions in Oklahoma.

    May 25, 2012

  • Edmond youth are encouraged to make a difference

    The Edmond Youth Council programs are opportunities for students 15-18 years of age to learn about municipal government and potentially impact future city policies.

    May 25, 2012

  • Hiebert graduates from Field Artillery training

    Army Pfc. Cody A. Hiebert has graduated from the Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Sill, Lawton.

    May 25, 2012

  • arcadia lake 3.jpg Police: Comply with lake rules during holiday period

    Summer vacation, hot days and a holiday weekend spell heavier traffic on Arcadia Lake, and police want to remind guests about rules and what happens if you break them.
    May 23 was the last day of school for Edmond Public Schools and the long Memorial Day holiday period has come.

    May 25, 2012 6 Photos