The Key Role of Protein in Healthy Aging

Protein is very important for active healthy adults and elderly, for maintain overall body functioning,  muscle strength, and resilience. However, protein insufficiency is common in aging population. As many at middle-age or after modify their diet due to weight and cholesterol concerns, but neglected protein intake. Other reasons may include physiological aging changes, such as lack of appetite, inactivity, dental health, etc.

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in resting metabolic rate (RMR). Up to 50% of total body weight in young adults is lean muscle mass but this declines with aging to 25% when reaching an age of 75–80 years. As aging will lose muscle mass, protein needs of older adults increase for their muscle functioning and strength. The National Institute of Health recommends that 10-35% of calories should be from protein, regardless of total calorie intake.

To learn more, go to https://www.qualitylifeforum.net/the-key-role-of-protein-in-healthy-aging.html

Take home messages:

• Proteins are the main building blocks of the human body. Best protein source is from balanced diet.
• As aging will lose muscle mass, protein needs of older adults increase for maintain muscle functioning and strength, combined with exercise and resistant training.
• Animal-based (complete) protein include casein, whey, and collagen and plant-based (incomplete) protein include soy, pea, rice, and hemp.
• A variety of protein supplements are available and may be used for personal goals of muscle building, weight loss or nutritional needs.
• Whey protein powder is generally safe and well tolerated at recommended dosage 

Take Actions: 

1. Track daily food diary for a week for protein intake self-evaluation
2. Get start or continue exercise routine with resistant training
3. Reach out qualitylifeforum@outlook.com for help and personalized health coaching

Dealing with Difficult Emotions in the Holiday Season

The holiday season is family time of joy and love by tradition. The holidays are emotional times, a time in which we focus on family bounds and friends connections which means a lot to us. Holiday cheer can be overwhelming. The holidays can also trigger grief, family tensions, loneliness, and facing our own imperfections.

If you are dealing with challenging emotions and the holidays are difficult for you, understand that you're not alone. The holidays may not in a position to create “the wonderful time of the year” for you but likely to make you feeling sad. For too many people in late life, remembering lost loved ones and memories from past can be painful.

Resistance to pain directly affects suffering. The fact is, trying to repress your true feelings and appear cheery and grateful when you're actually suffering doesn't really work. Respect your own feeling and be able to say “no” is the first line of self-protection. Feel free to turn off the Christmas carols, decline holiday parties, or social events. Don’t feel guilty about skipping events if you’re experiencing holiday overload.

To read the full post, learn about healthy outlets for dealing with difficult feelings, and get help, go to https://www.qualitylifeforum.net/dealing-with-difficult-emo….