Metabolism can be quite tricky to understand since it differs for everyone. However, the general rule of thumb is that metabolism slows down as we grow older. Metabolism is essentially a set of chemical reactions in our bodies that allow us to function in our everyday lives. Without metabolism, we do not have the energy to perform daily tasks like thinking, growing, and many more. There are a number of factors that play into affecting our metabolism rate, including muscle mass, hereditary, age, and hormonal factors. As such, some of these factors are inevitable and cannot be helped. However, it’s not all bad news as older adults can also make a few lifestyle changes in order to boost their own metabolism. Listed below are ways you can try boosting loved ones’ metabolism.
Take Part in Aerobic Exercises
No matter what age, it’s always good to lead an active lifestyle in order for our bodies to get or remain fit and to fend off illnesses. However, another benefit is that it allows us to burn calories, which helps in increasing our metabolism rate. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for older adults to fall into a sedentary lifestyle due to health conditions. Therefore, you should take the time to encourage and motivate them to take part in more aerobic exercises. Aside from boosting metabolism rate, aerobic or cardio exercises bring many benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing the risk of heart disease. Some exercises we recommend your loved ones do are walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, and tennis.
Drink More Water
Regardless if older adults are looking to boost their metabolism, it’s extremely important to drink lots of water each day to stay hydrated. As we grow older, our bodies’ capability to take in water decreases, which increases our likelihood of dehydration. Dehydration can lead to many negative effects, such as headaches, decreased skin elasticity, and low blood pressure, to name a few. As such, do remind your loved ones from time to time to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, which also helps in boosting metabolism. This is because as we consume water, the body undergoes a process called thermogenesis, which heats the water to body temperature. As this process burns calories, this, in turn, enhances the metabolism rate.
Incorporate More Protein into Diet
Protein plays an important role in our body’s overall functioning, but it’s even more so for the elderly. For older adults, it’s crucial for them to include more protein in their diet as protein helps to build up muscle mass, which decreases with age. What’s more, protein can improve or maintain bone health, ensuring that your loved ones do not suffer from fractures or injuries as easily. Foods that are rich in protein include lean meats, poultry, fish and seafood, and dairy products. However, we also recommend introducing other nutritious foods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fiber to your loved ones.
Have More Good Quality Sleep
It’s common for older adults to find themselves having less quality sleep due to a number of reasons. However, sleep is crucial for everyone as it allows our bodies and minds to rest and recharge. In addition, our bodies burn calories while we sleep, which boosts our metabolism at the same time. Therefore, your loved ones should get good quality shut-eye each night. If they find it challenging to sleep well, there are a few ways to improve their sleep patterns, such as lowering the temperature if necessary, making sure the room is dark, and avoiding eating a large meal at night.
