If you’re a senior or the caregiver of an aging loved one, you probably have a lot of health issues—either real or potential—on your mind. But did you know that getting enough Vitamin D is important in preventing breaks and fractures, which affect about one in three seniors over the age of 65 each year. The senior care professionals at Visiting Angels in Toms River, NJ, are here to explain why it’s so important to incorporate enough Vitamin D into your senior care regimen.

Vitamin D plays an important role in our bodies by helping our muscles move, regulating cell growth, fighting off infections, and transporting messages through the nervous system. It’s also vital for the formation and maintenance of strong bones, since it helps the body absorb calcium. Generally, people get all the Vitamin D they need simply by spending time outdoors in the sun, but you can also get Vitamin D through your diet or by taking supplements.

Research has shown that a Vitamin D deficiency is common among seniors for a variety of reasons, including less exposure to sunlight and a decrease in consumption of foods that contain Vitamin D. It’s extremely important for seniors who are not getting enough Vitamin D to correct this issue, and here are five great reasons to do so:

• Strong bone health contributes to the prevention of painful breaks and fractures.
• Vitamin D can help lower a senior’s chances of needing the help of a nursing home early on.
• Seniors who get enough Vitamin D maintain their physical fitness, mobility, and independence.
• Sufficient Vitamin D intake lowers your risk of developing osteoporosis.
• Your risk for cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and some cancers will be lowered if you get enough Vitamin D.

The National Institute of Health recommends that adults between the ages of 19 and 70 get 600 IU of Vitamin D on a daily basis; for adults over the age of 70, this recommendation increases to 800 IU daily. 

There are a couple of different, simple ways you can get your daily dose:

• Sunlight
• Supplements
• Fortified foods, like canned salmon, instant oatmeal, cereal, milk and orange juice 

At Visiting Angels, the team believes in providing home care services that fit your needs, schedule, and are committed to helping you or your aging loved one maintain independent living as long as possible. That’s why they provide support through a variety of fully customizable home care services for seniors, including meal prep, companionship, light housekeeping, and more.

Find out why Visiting Angels is America’s choice in trusted home care. For more information about Visiting Angels visit their website, or call (732) 240-1050 today.