Healthy Aging Strategies

Patients are increasingly interested in dietary patterns and overall health strategies to promote healthy aging. From limiting processed foods, to increasing fruit and vegetable intake, to taking certain supplements – there are a lot of questions about what might help. Try to steer patients in the right direction.

When it comes to dietary strategies, encourage patients to focus on eating nutrient-dense whole foods. While there are many specific diets out there, the Mediterranean diet has the best evidence of benefit for reducing dementia risk – strict adherence has been linked with both reduced risk for dementia and improvements in disease progression. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a Mediterranean-like diet to all adults to slow cognitive decline. Plus, the Mediterranean diet encourages limiting processed food and sugar intake, both of which are at the center of many current discussions on healthy lifestyle strategies.

As for supplements, be prepared to focus on specific aspects of aging when addressing questions. Some patients might aim to promote healthy aging overall, while others might have more targeted goals focusing on musculoskeletal health, nutrition, cardiovascular health, or cognitive health. For example, creatine is in the spotlight for slowing musculoskeletal aging and cognitive function. Most research shows that taking creatine while engaging in a resistance training program can increase upper and/or lower body muscle strength in older adults. As for cognitive function, early clinical research shows some improvements, but other data aren’t consistent.

Learn more about healthy aging strategies and important safety considerations in our 1.5 hour interactive CE course on Supplements for Healthy Aging.