#ageing well

Just as with the rest of the body, a balanced diet can help our eyes stay strong and healthy in later life. Here, we look at the vitamins and essential nutrients that can help combat macular degeneration. The macula is the central part of the retina, which is responsible for the type of sight we need for detailed tasks such as reading and recognising faces. In Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the cells in the macula gradually stop working, damaging central vision.

In later life, it’s not uncommon to have a smaller appetite than when you were younger. But it’s still important to make sure you eat enough to stay strong and healthy. This week, we share our five top tips for maintaining a healthy appetite. From less sensitive taste buds to badly fitting dentures and medication side effects, there’s a whole range of things that can affect our appetite as we get older. Most of us know how difficult it can be to eat when you don’t feel hungry. But with our simple tips, you can make sure you get the nutrients you need to stay healthy – and find your way back to truly enjoying meals again.

Wimbledon is here again, bringing with it the perfect excuse for tucking into some luscious strawberries and cream as you watch the tennis stars wow the crowds. It also marks the season when a fantastic variety of foods reach their peak of perfection. And long, warm summer days tempt you to enjoy your meals outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Eating fruit and vegetables that have been grown this season ensures they’re at their most delicious and colourful – and packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants.

With temperatures set to soar this week, we’re picturing sparkling blue seas, olive groves and a table set with delicious Mediterranean food. Renowned as one of the healthiest diets in the world, there couldn’t be a better time to give it a try. From juicy, sun ripened tomatoes and salad drizzled in olive oil to succulent seafood, traditional dishes enjoyed in southern France, Spain, Italy and Greece are full of the nutrients needed for healthy ageing. In fact, people who follow a Mediterranean diet tend to have a lower risk of developing age-related health problems including heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s. We take a look at the common ingredients in Mediterranean meals and some simple ways to include them in your day-to-day diet.

We’re getting ready to join over 300 exhibitors who’ll be showcasing the latest products and services to support independent living. Why not come along to the NEC in Birmingham from 28-30 April to find out more about how our home delivered meals could help you? Being able to easily cook and enjoy wholesome meals is such an important part of living well in your own home. With the UK’s largest range of frozen home delivered ready meals – and a friendly, reliable delivery service – we can really help people to live independently for longer.