(443) 745-6115Vitamin D deficiency is common in seniors and aging adults. If your loved one isn’t getting enough of this essential vitamin, they can be at risk for certain health issues that have mild to severe side effects.
Let’s learn a bit more about how a lack of vitamin D can harm those who are aging to get a better understanding of how you can help them to get what they need to stay healthy.
Benefits of Vitamin D
What does this vitamin do, and why is it so important not just to the health of seniors but to people of all ages? Well, vitamin D’s primary responsibility is to aid in the intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and other minerals that the body needs to remain healthy.
Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency
Since vitamin D helps in the body’s receptivity of vital minerals that the body needs to absorb in order to be healthy, seniors not getting enough of the vitamin can be at risk of health issues including:
- Muscle weakness
- Osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones)
- Hip and other bone fractures
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
Good Sources of Vitamin D
Unfortunately, vitamin D is not common in many foods but it is essential to helping your body to absorb calcium needed to build and maintain bone strength. Thankfully, there are still ways you can ensure your loved one is getting the vitamin D they need:
Sunlight – Spending time in the sun can work wonders for improving mood and mental health, but did you know that sunlight turns cholesterol in the body to vitamin D? That’s right! Get your loved ones out in the sunshine when the weather isn’t too hot and their body will produce the vitamin for them.
Certain Foods – Although most foods do not contain vitamin D, there are a few that naturally contain it. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, beef liver, egg yolks, and certain cheeses all contain healthy amounts of vitamin D and can be incorporated into your loved one’s diet to improve their health.
Supplements – A daily supplement of vitamin D is always an option as well. Reduce risks of bone fractures by encouraging your aging loved one to take vitamin D capsules daily. Always stay on the safe side and check with their primary doctor before choosing a supplement.
Getting Your Aging Loved Ones the Care They Deserve
If your aging family member isn’t getting the care they need at home, look to Kenwood Care. We provide healthy and comfortable assisted living care in Howard County and are committed to making our residents feel at home while getting the care and treatment they need.
We are proud to offer balanced diets, regular activities, and medical assistance to all of our residents. Contact us or visit us today to request a consultation or to learn more about why so many people choose Kenwood Care for assisted living in Maryland.
