Cataracts affect millions of people around the globe, robbing them of the clear vision they once enjoyed. While cataracts are commonly associated with aging, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing them. In this blog, we will explore how a healthy lifestyle in assisted living in Lake Worth, FL reduces the risk of cataracts in your loved ones.
Diet for Cataract Prevention
Exploring a healthy lifestyle in assisted living can help your loved ones reduce the risk of developing cataracts. A balanced diet is an important part of this lifestyle. Eating foods high in antioxidants, such as spinach and blueberries, can prevent oxidation damage to the eye’s lens and reduce the risk of cataracts. Getting enough vitamins from citrus fruits, fish, and whole grains will also help limit cataract progression. In addition to a nutritious diet, your loved ones in assisted living communities need regular exercise.
Proper Hydration for Optimal Vision
Proper hydration is essential to a healthy lifestyle for those in their golden years to reduce their risk of developing cataracts. Water is the most important element for hydration and can help promote optimal vision.
Proper hydration helps keep your eyes lubricated, reducing stress on the delicate tissues that comprise your eyes, including those involved in lens clarity and eye health. Drinking enough water will also keep your blood vessels from becoming overworked, reducing pressure on the lenses of your eyes which can be a major cause of cataracts.
Additionally, water has been shown to flush out toxins that could accumulate in the eye area and contribute to inflammation and other vision problems associated with cataracts.
Reducing Stress to Lower Risk of Cataracts
Your loved ones in assisted living are more likely to have access to nutritious meals, regular physical activity, and social activities that help reduce stress levels. All of which can make a big difference in reducing the risk of developing cataracts. Stress plays an important role in overall health and increases the risk of many diseases, including cataracts. For residents living in assisted living centers, having access to regular exercise classes and recreational activities can help reduce stress levels and lower their chances of developing cataracts.
Exercise and Eye Health
Exercise and eye health are two important components of any healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity has been proven to help protect against age-related diseases like cataracts while providing benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and overall well-being. Exercise is beneficial for all residents, regardless of age or medical condition.
A regular exercise program can improve circulation throughout the body, which may help prevent the formation of cataracts by delivering nutrients directly to the eyes and improving blood flow. Exercise may also help reduce inflammation associated with many age-related issues, including vision problems. Additionally, aerobic exercise can improve night vision and protect from ultraviolet radiation damage contributing to cataract development.