The Benefits of Eating Seafood for Older Adults

Grocery shopping looks a little different in 2020. Between pandemic-caused shortages and hurried, masked trips to the grocery store, many seniors have had a hard time sourcing food during the coronavirus pandemic. Luckily, things are beginning to look up, especially as we enter the dog days of summer – specifically when it comes to high-quality proteins. Salmon season is beginning, which means fish will be more abundant than usual in the coming months. If you’re looking for easier ways to source food, especially protein, this is a good opportunity to stock up. 

But why should seniors eat seafood? It turns out that seafood has a variety of health benefits, especially when it comes to cardiovascular, neural, and ocular health. We’ll walk you through why you should consider adding more seafood to your senior diet, as well as where you can buy high-quality fish without putting your health at risk.

Most seafoods and fish are nutrient-dense, well-rounded foods. They often have a high protein content but few calories and little saturated fat. Seafood is also high in vitamins and minerals, which can benefit older adults who may be at risk for dementia and other neuro-degenerative conditions. The best seafood options for seniors include most types of salmon, cod, herring, mackerel, perch, and rainbow trout. These fish typically have low mercury levels and are rich in healthy fats. 

Seafood consumption has been linked to dozens of health benefits in older people: 

• Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease

• Contributes to neurological health

• Decreases risk of heart arrhythmia's

• Improves circulation

• Helps protect against heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest

• Helps build muscle and tissues

• Contributes to vision preservation and nerve health in the retina 

But while seafood should be a staple in senior diets, senior health should start before problems arise. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, the fats found in seafood can contribute to overall health well into old age. Specifically, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are abundant in salmon, are associated with a greater chance of healthy aging, according to Time Magazine. Healthy aging means living into old age without chronic conditions, focusing on a person’s well-being rather than their longevity. If your aging parent is looking for ways to get healthier, starting with seafood can be a good option. 

Many seniors are hesitant to leave their homes amid the pandemic. Grocery delivery is an expensive choice, and relying on younger friends and family for daily tasks can be a burden. Online shopping is among the safest, most cost-effective options. 

Ordering seafood online is a great option for seniors. It’s an easy way to source food, you can buy directly from the seafood source, and you can buy in bulk. Most types of fish will last for months in a freezer, so a single purchase can yield dozens of meals. Plus, there are senior-friendly seafood resources if you’re not quite sure where to buy online. 

If you’re looking to get your health on track, incorporating seafood can be a good option. That said, these benefits can take years to develop, which may frustrate some older adults. If you want a health solution now, consider investing in a medical alert device. It won’t immediately improve your overall health, but it will provide safety and security as you venture out into the world. Plus, Alert1 has a variety of options to suit your lifestyle – and none will break the bank.