As we age, it becomes increasingly important to focus on our health. Yes, keeping a close eye on our diet is just one of the essentials of healthy aging, my friend.
Healthy eating is one of the most important things we can do to reduce our risk of disease. Some foods are particularly harmful for us in our 60s and beyond. In this article, we’ll discuss the foods to avoid after 60 to maintain your health and well-being.
Your personal overall health and current diet limitations always take priority. This article is intended as a general guideline and I am not a professional dietician or medical professional. Use your best judgment and decide what works for you!
Our Nutritional Needs Change as We Age
Our nutritional needs change as we get older. We need to pay more attention to getting the right amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D, and fiber. This is because our bodies absorb and use these nutrients differently as we get older.
For example, older adults tend to absorb less calcium from food than younger adults. They also need more vitamin D to help with calcium absorption. Fiber is important for maintaining regularity and preventing constipation. It can also help lower cholesterol levels and control blood sugar levels.
So, it’s important to make sure you are getting enough of these nutrients as you age. You can do this by eating a variety of healthy foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You may also need to take a supplement if you are not able to get all the nutrients you need from your diet. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about what might be best for you.
Foods to Avoid After 60
You may have noticed that as you’ve gotten older, you don’t seem to tolerate certain foods as well as you used to. Maybe you get heartburn more easily or you’re more prone to indigestion. It could be that you just don’t feel as good after eating certain foods as you once did.
While it’s normal for your body to change as you age, there are some foods that you might want to avoid in your 60s. Here are a few general examples:
Spicy foods can cause heartburn and indigestion. If you find that spicy foods bother your stomach, it’s best to avoid them.
Fatty foods can be difficult to digest and can lead to uncomfortable digestive issues like gas and bloating. If you tend to feel better when you eat a lighter diet, then it might be time to cut back on the fatty foods.
Processed foods are often high in sodium and unhealthy fats, which can be hard on your body at any age. But as you get older, your body isn’t able to process these things as effectively, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
Of course, everyone is different and you should listen to your body as well as confer with your physician to decide what’s best for you.
Specific Foods to Avoid in Our 60s
Because our bodies have changed through the years, there are some foods that just don’t provide us with nutritional benefits, particularly after the age of 60. Whether you’re in the ‘over 60‘ club or nearing that sixth decade, consider how these types of foods could be eliminated from your diet.
We’ll take a look at each one individually.
1. Processed Meats
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at processing and breaking down food. This is why it’s important to choose nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest. Processed meats are a prime example of foods that can be difficult for our bodies to digest, especially as we get older.
Not only are they high in fat and salt, but they also contain preservatives and other chemicals that can strain our digestive system. In addition, processed meats have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
So, it’s best to avoid processed meats and lunch meats altogether. Instead, focus on eating lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. These nutrient-rich foods will help keep your body healthy and strong as you age.
2. Fried Foods
Fried foods are often high in unhealthy saturated fats and trans fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease and other chronic diseases and health problems. After the age of 60, your body becomes less efficient at processing these fats, making it even more important to avoid fried foods.
In addition, fried foods are often high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. They may also contain harmful compounds that can damage your cells and accelerate the aging process. For all these reasons, it’s best to avoid fried foods.
Instead, focus on eating healthy whole foods that will support your health and help you stay feeling young and energetic.
3. Soft Cheeses
Do you love to eat feta, Brie, ricotta, gogonzola, or cottage cheese? These are just a few examples of soft cheeses. Why are they on the list of foods to avoid after 60? It just doesn’t seem fair, does it?
Here’s why.
As you age, your immune system weakens and you become more susceptible to foodborne illnesses. That’s why it’s important to be extra careful about the types of food you eat. One food that you should think twice about eating is soft cheese.
Soft cheese is made with unpasteurized milk, which can contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness. Symptoms of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating soft cheese, seek medical attention immediately.
While hard cheeses are made with pasteurized milk and are therefore safe to eat, they may not be as easy to digest as they once were. So, if you’re over 60 and you enjoy soft cheese, it’s best to enjoy it in moderation.
4. Sprouts
Our 60+ bodies are not as efficient at digesting food as they once were. This is why it is important to avoid foods that are difficult to digest, like sprouts.
Sprouts are high in fiber, which can be hard for our bodies to break down. They can also contain harmful toxins that can cause digestive problems.
In addition, sprouts can harbor bacteria that can make us sick. For these reasons, it is best to avoid sprouts. Instead, focus on eating foods that are easy to digest and packed with nutrients that will help keep your body healthy and strong.
5. Foods High in Salt
In our 60s, it’s important to avoid high salt foods for two main reasons: to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level and to prevent dehydration.
When you eat foods high in salt, your body holds on to water to dilute the amount of salt in your bloodstream. This increases the volume of blood in your vessels and, as a result, raises your blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease and stroke.
In addition, as you get older, your kidneys become less efficient at removing excess salt from your body. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause several problems, including fatigue, confusion, and dizziness. So, to stay healthy and prevent dehydration, it’s important to limit your intake of salt. Instead, focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, which are naturally low in sodium.
6. Pastries
Yes, pastries are on the list. Sigh.
Pastries are often high in sugar and fat, which can be detrimental to your health. When consumed in excess, sugar can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, while too much fat can clog your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease.
What’s more, many pastries are also processed and refined, meaning they lack the nutrients that are found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. So, if you’re looking to maintain your health in your 60s and beyond, it’s best to avoid pastries as a regular indulgence and opt for healthier options instead.
Once in a while as a special treat, sure, you might decide that it’s worth it to have that donut, or pastry, snack foods, or special confection. Just not too often!
7. Sodas and Sugary Drinks
You may have grown up thinking that soda is harmless, or even good for you. But the truth is, soda is loaded with sugar and empty calories, and it can be detrimental to your health, especially as you age.
After the age of 60, your body begins to lose muscle mass and bone density, and your metabolism starts to slow down. This can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight, and it also puts you at risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Soda can also exacerbate these conditions by contributing to weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
So, it’s best to avoid soda altogether. You’ll be doing your body a favor in the long run.
8. Candy
As you age, your metabolism slows down and your ability to process sugar diminishes. This means that eating candy can have a more pronounced effect on your blood sugar levels, potentially leading to health problems such as diabetes.
In addition, the high sugar content in candy can also contribute to tooth decay and other gum problems. For these reasons, it is generally advisable to avoid candy. There are plenty of other delicious and healthy snacks that you can enjoy instead.
Why not try some fresh fruit or nuts? Not only are they good for your health, but they will also help to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.
What Should We Eat After 60?
An overall healthy pattern of eating is what we should strive for in our 60s and beyond, and we’ll talk more about that in a minute.
First, here are some foods that 60-year-olds and above should have in their diet:
Blueberries
Blueberries are little powerhouses of nutrition, and that’s especially good news if you’re over 60. That’s because as we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing nutrients from food.
Blueberries are a great source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and manganese. They’re also low in calories and have a high water content, so they can help you stay hydrated. What’s more, blueberries contain compounds that may boost brain health and protect against memory loss.
So if you’re looking for a nutritious snack that can help you stay slim and sharp as you age, reach for a handful of blueberries.
Almonds
Did you know that almonds are a great food for people over 60? There are several reasons for this.
First, almonds are a good source of vitamin E, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and eyes. Additionally, they contain magnesium, which can help to prevent osteoporosis. And finally, almonds are a terrific source of protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle mass as we age.
Overall, almonds are a nutritious snack that can help us stay healthy and active. So go ahead and enjoy a handful of almonds every day!
Avocados
Avocados are a good choice for people over 60 for many reasons. They’re easy to digest and full of healthy fats that can help with cognitive function, joint pain, and cholesterol levels. They’re also a good source of vitamins K, C, and B6, as well as folate and potassium.
Plus, they can be a tasty addition to your diet. Add them to salads, soups, or sandwiches, or simply eat them on their own with a little salt and pepper. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that avocados are becoming a popular choice for people of all ages.
So go ahead and give them a try. You just might be surprised at how much you enjoy them.
Eggs
Over 60, and looking for some foods that are packed with nutrients and will help keep you feeling your best? You might want to consider eggs! Here are a few reasons why eggs can be a great addition to your diet:
They’re an excellent source of protein: One large egg has six grams of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, bones, skin, and hair.
They’re packed with vitamins and minerals: Eggs are a good source of Vitamins A, B12, and D, as well as iron, selenium, and choline. These nutrients are important for maintaining immunity, cognitive function, and vision health.
They’re low in calories but high in satiety: One large egg has only about 80 calories but provides a feeling of fullness that can last for hours. This makes them a great option if you’re looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
So next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t forget to pick up some eggs!
What is a Healthy Diet After 60?
We’ve discussed the types of foods that are best avoided (or eaten only occasionally) as we enter our 60s and beyond, as well as some specific foods that we should be consuming regularly.
Let’s put it all together and highlight some overall wise nutrition and healthy eating tips. Here are some general guidelines for what people over the age of 60 should eat:
~Aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. If certain fruits are becoming more difficult to eat or digest, consider no-sugar-added canned fruits, bananas, or melons. The same goes for veggies. Look for the canned vegetables with no added salt.
~Focus on whole grains, such as oats and barley in bread, for example. Be diligent about checking labels and avoid products that contain high fructose corn syrup.
- include lean protein sources, such as fish, chicken, and beans
- limit saturated fat and cholesterol. Choose healthy fats that you find in olive oil, nuts, and fish.
- choose low-fat dairy products
- drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated has so many benefits for your body and skin, and will give you more energy!
Of course, every person is different and you should talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to figure out what works best for you. But following these general guidelines will help you get the nutrients you need to stay healthy as you age.
Conclusion: Foods to Avoid After 60
Avoiding the foods that can potentially cause problems for us (as well as contribute to weight gain and more belly fat) in our 60s and beyond is just using good common sense.
In general, we should aim to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, as well as plenty of whole grains, lean protein sources, and low-fat dairy products. It’s also important to limit saturated fat and cholesterol intake, drink plenty of water, and consult with a doctor or registered dietitian to figure out what works best for you.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you need to stay healthy and active as you age. Because you deserve it!
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Hi Candi. When Tim and I were younger, both working, and raising our family, we unfortunately ate a lot of processed food. It was convenient, since we worked opposite shifts, and wanted to have a family meal together. I’m so glad that we moved abroad, when we were in our 50’s, and began eating a healthy diet, cosisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins. I won’t say that we always eat a perfectly healthy diet, but we practise healthy eating, more often than not. Thank you for sharing this great information. I wasn’t aware that some foods were harder to process, as we age. xxxx
Hi Christina, I think a lot of us had a similar diet as yours when we were younger. Now that we’re older and we have so much more information available, it makes sense to choose foods that will help us live longer and better, just like what you and Tim are doing. It will serve us well as time goes by! xo