As women grow older, their bodies change and so do their nutritional needs. That’s only natural and is, of course, expected just as it is for aging men. A woman at 40 has health-related needs that differ in part from what women 25 and under deal with, and the same holds true for women over 60 compared to what they needed at age 40.
Times marches on.
Women 60 and over are now beyond child-bearing age. They have entered a stage in their life where their bones tend to be more brittle and there is the nagging concern about osteoporosis hanging over their lives. An added twist to their daily dietary regimen is that they are likely on more prescribed medications than they were at either 25 or 40. That becomes problematical when deciding which nutrients, herbs, or supplements they really should add to deal with newly emerging health-related issues.
It can get tricky steering away from natural remedies while navigating through the obstacle course of newly targeting supplements, knowing they might not mix well with prescription medicines they are on. What better time, then, to confer with your personal physician or other health professional about deciding which choices are best for you and which are not?
8 Supplements Worthy of Consideration for Women over 60
We aren’t here today, though, to add to the confusion or angst you might feel in trying to decide what to do and what not to do about your diet, your prescription medications, and choosing from so many helpful supplements available in the marketplace. Following are eight of many options to consider if you are 60 or over and looking to make the best of your health for the rest of your years. All this while Mother Time (Father Time’s savvier female partner) stands in the background watching and hoping you make good choices from here on out. In alphabetical order:
Beta Carotene. By its very nature, this potent antioxidant adds another layer of defense for you against some diseases. That must be a reassuring thing to know for women over 60 who become more susceptible to diseases just as older men do. Join the club, right?
Vitamin B6. This is one B vitamin you probably don’t hear much about, but it’s time to yell its name from the rooftops. Why? Because Vitamin B6 serves a key function in keeping your immune system fully functional. It does this by helping to protect your nerves and form red blood cells, just like it’s cousin B12 does.
Vitamin B12. B12 has been widely popularized in recent years in the world of vitamins, and there’s good reason why. It helps your nerves and blood cells in at least near-peak condition, helping to stave off anemia whose presence can make you feel weary much of the time.
Calcium. Surely, you didn’t think for a moment we would leave this nutrient off the list? Most healthcare professionals put calcium at the top of the list of recommendations for women over 50, let alone those over 60. That’s because of its ability to fight osteoporosis. But you are cautioned not to take it if you already have sufficient calcium in your system (a blood test is in order)—too much of it can possibly lead to cardiovascular problems. This is one instance of where more (than enough) is not better for you.
Vitamin D. Women over 60, generally speaking, do not spend as much time outdoors as they did when they were younger. That means they absorb less vitamin D from the sun’s rays as they did that much earlier in life, and a vitamin D deficiency can affect their balance, leading to unwanted falls.
Magnesium. You might know this by now but it’s worth repeating – magnesium is a popular essential mineral that can help in so many ways. This includes in areas such as energy production in your body, muscle and nerve operation, providing protein to the body, and helping to strengthen bone and teeth.
Selenium. Like beta carotene, a strong antioxidant to help protect you from a disease itching to come at you.
Zinc. Zinc, too, like magnesium, wears many hats on the journey to good health. Not only does it help the elderly (and, to be frank, all the rest of us) with taste and smell, it does battle against infections and inflammation. For good measure, it also chips in to help maintain our vision.
The challenge for women over 60 is to meet a growing number of health needs amid everchanging (if not so much “ever charging”) bodies by making the right choices of not only food items but also nutrients and supplements for what awaits them further down the road health-wise. And a reminder to be sure to discuss the pros and cons with a healthcare provider regarding any nutrient, herb or supplement you are contemplating adding to your daily diet regimen.