Having enough vitamin D is important for good overall health. This is especially so if you are in your golden years. Vitamin D for seniors contributes to healthy living by helping the body fend off dangerous diseases. It also boosts the immune system, strengthens bones, supports mental health, and protects oral health. However, many older adults tend to neglect their vitamin D intake, which may then lead to vitamin D deficiency symptoms such as softened bones, cognitive decline, and tooth decay. To prevent such issues, seniors should aim to take at least 1000 IU of vitamin D a day. Let’s look at the various benefits of vitamin D and how they improve the health of seniors.
Prevents Cancer and Diabetes
Vitamin D is able to regulate the differentiation of both normal and tumor cells. As such, seniors with healthy levels of vitamin D are at decreased risk of getting colon, prostate or breast cancer. Research also shows a decreased mortality rate among cancer patients who had been treated with vitamin D. Furthermore, taking vitamin D supplements is known to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 13%.
Boosts Immune System
Vitamin D improves your immune system by strengthening the white blood cells that make up your immune defense. By boosting your immune system, you’ll be less likely to catch a cold or develop the flu and other respiratory conditions. The National Institutes of Health has reported that vitamin D increases the production of antibiotic-like substances which help the body fight against infections and respiratory diseases.
Strengthens Bones
Vitamin D plays an important role in helping the body absorb calcium to build strong bones. This is imperative in the prevention of osteoporosis and other health problems like fatigue, joint pain, and osteoarthritis in seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoporosis is a dangerous condition that increases the risk of fractures during a fall. Hence, ensuring that you take a sufficient amount of vitamin D and calcium daily will significantly strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.
Supports Mental Health
Vitamin D is known to help regulate moods. It has positive effects on mental health as it reduces the risk of depression and anxiety in seniors. Do you know that vitamin D deficiency can contribute to schizophrenia? A study conducted in 2018 suggests that those with insufficient amounts of vitamin D often have more mental health concerns. Therefore, you should eat foods rich in vitamin D or take a vitamin D supplement every day to promote good mental health.
Protects Oral Health
It is important to practice good dental hygiene in order to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. At the same time, taking enough vitamin D can help seniors keep these dental problems away. In a recent study, researchers found that those with healthy vitamin D levels have lower chances of getting oral health diseases like tooth decay and tooth loss.
Healthy Living at The Park Oak Grove
If you’re looking for a senior assisted living community where you can call home, we would like to invite you to visit our vibrant community, and learn all about our exclusive senior living programs. At The Park Oak Grove, you don’t have to worry about not getting enough vitamin D or any other vitamins for that matter. Our professional chefs will ensure that the nutritional needs of our residents are satisfied with our wide range of menu items, from international cuisines to local favorites. Be pampered by nutritional yet delicious meals which will meet all your health needs when you join our community.
