Mood boosting foods for the elderly
A good way to boost your mood is through the food you eat and making sure you include lots of lovely nutrients in your diet.
Many elderly people might be feeling a bit low at the moment. Being cooped up indoors, unable to socialise and see people as much as they usually would do. Levels of serotonin may be lower than usual because of this.
Low levels can lead to aggressive behaviour, anxiety and even depression.
Our carers regularly prepare meals for our service users and are advised to make sure they have a healthy and nutrient-rich diet.
Here are some of our suggestions for foods to boost yours or an elderly friend or relative’s mood:
Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants and can help support brain and cognitive function and reduce depression. If you’re craving sugar, reach for some berries instead of bad foods such as sweets and chocolate.
Bananas
Bananas are great for boosting your mood and aiding a good night’s sleep. They’re packed full of nutrients such as vitamin B6, amino acid tryptophan and carbohydrate.
Green tea
To aid digestion, try drinking green tea. It is rich in polyphenols, which are linked to reducing depression and the risk of heart attacks and Parkinson’s disease.
Eggs
Eggs stimulate the production of serotonin in the brain as they are full of vitamin D. Great for eating in the winter months when there is less sunlight and we lack vitamin D.
Brazil nuts
Packed with mineral selenium, brazil nuts are a great natural antidepressant. Studies have shown that low levels of selenium have been associated with cognitive decline in the elderly and those living with dementia.
Dark chocolate
A good quality dark chocolate with 70% or more cocoa is a great way to boost your mood as it stimulates the production of endorphins, contains serotonin and flavonoids, which are antioxidants. It’s great in moderation but if you suffer from anxiety it’s best to stay clear due to caffeine levels.
You can find lots more lifestyle, diet and food advice for the elderly here on our blog.
