“Food as medicine” may be coming to a health plan near you.
As we age, our nutritional needs can change, so it’s important to focus on consuming a variety of nutrient-dense plant-based foods. Here are some top plant-based foods for those over 65:
- Leafy Greens: Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, collards, and Swiss chard are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help support bone health, cognitive function, and heart health.
- Berries: Berries like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation and support cognitive function.
- Nuts and Seeds: Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can help support heart health and satiety.
- Legumes: Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans are rich in protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. They can help support digestive health, blood sugar control, and heart health.
- Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and barley are a great source of fiber, which can help support digestive health and satiety. They also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals.
- Fermented Foods: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are rich in beneficial bacteria, which can help support gut health and boost the immune system.
It’s important to note that individual nutritional needs may vary depending on health status, medications, and other factors, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.
Medicare Provides Food?
More states are testing Medicaid programs that’ll provide more people with healthy foods and, potentially, lower healthcare costs.
Medicaid typically only covers medical expenses, but Arkansas, Oregon and Massachusetts received approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) last year to use a portion of their Medicaid funds to pay for food programs, including medically tailored meals, groceries and produce prescriptions (fruit and vegetable prescriptions or vouchers provided by medical professionals for people with diet-related diseases or food insecurity). California already was running a food program under a different CMS approval. The aim is to see whether providing people with nutritious foods can effectively prevent, manage, and treat diet-related diseases.
Medicare Supplements
There is a question about what the Medicare Supplement Insurance industry will do, as they are typically PRO keeping people out of the medical system as it saves them money.
“Any thing to help the quality of patient care, and livfe style of our aging populations is a WIN”
1-800-MEDIGAP founder Jeff CLine (Official Medigap Helpline)