Vitamin D is an important nutrient required in healthy aging but many older adults are unaware and don’t have enough of it. A vitamin D deficiency can result in symptoms such as nausea, cognitive abilities, frailty, and bone softening. To avoid such problems, the recommended dose of vitamin D in seniors should be 600 IU for those below 71 years and 800 IU for those 71 and beyond. Here are the different benefits of vitamin D for older adults.
Improves Bone Health
Osteoporosis, a common condition affecting older adults, causes bones to become weak and brittle. As a result, there is a greater risk of falls and accidents occurring in homes. According to the Centers for Disease Control, every second of each day, a person over the age of 65 will suffer a fall, making falls the leading cause of injury and death in the United States. Such concerns can be quelled if older adults are encouraged to have a sufficient level of vitamin D, which helps to enhance bone strength and health, thus reducing the likelihood of falls.
Prevents Cancers and Infections
Older adults that are eager to maintain tip-top health should ensure a healthy intake of vitamin D. Research has shown that the vitamin serves as a nutrient crucial towards preventing issues from flu to colon cancer. The vitamin can manage immune cells, which gives your aging loved ones a decreased risk of major diseases, specifically blood cancers and colon cancer. Apart from playing an active role in preventing major and chronic diseases, vitamin D aids in improving the immune system in older adults to beat minor daily illnesses like colds or flu.
Protects Oral Health
More often than not, aging can make it more challenging to maintain dental care. With increasing age, your loved ones become more prone to problems like tooth decay and gum disease, but vitamin D can help to build protection against such problems. In a study among 67 dental patients, those with greater levels of vitamin D had presented a reduced risk of attaining oral health diseases. The lack of vitamin D is one of the most prevalent causes of oral health problems in older adults.
Boosts Happiness and Mental Health
Vitamin D helps to improve mental health in older adults by fighting common issues like elderly depression. In 2017, studies have proven a relationship between low vitamin D levels and depression symptoms such as restlessness, unhappiness, and loneliness. The participants involved with the lowest levels of vitamin D had reported greater noticeable signs of mental health decline.
Get the Best Care at Discovery Commons South Biscayne
A lack of social activity and engagement is a prominent cause of declining mental health for older adults. If your loved one is living alone or needs extra assistance with daily living activities, do consider our senior living options at Discovery Commons South Biscayne. We provide a range of customizable lifestyle options to empower high-quality living, personalized care within a socially inclusive community.
Do contact us today to ascertain eligibility for any of our living options!
