My magnesium: the golden years
A FACTOR IN LONG-TERM QUALITY OF LIFE: MAGNESIUM AS WE AGE
Doing their best to keep up with both smartphones and sports, seniors are now more active than ever, both mentally and physically. Even if we manage to retain a high quality of life in our golden years – the longest phase in our lives – there is nothing we can do to prevent ageing and the changes that go with it. We become less flexible and less able to concentrate. So if we want to remain agile and alert as we age, we need to react to these changes at an early stage. Magnesium plays a key role. As we get older, we tend to be less physically active. We also eat less and drink less, but we still need the same amount of magnesium. It is therefore essential to get enough magnesium in order to maintain a good quality of life as we age.
WHY IS MAGNESIUM SO IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE OVER 60?
We want to be physically active at every stage of our lives so that we can keep playing with our grandchildren, taking long walks and working in the garden. And we can relax and enjoy these moments by making sure that we get enough magnesium. The mineral helps our muscles and nervous system to function well. Also known as the "power mineral," magnesium is a universal active ingredient that helps with the symptoms of ageing. It is important at all ages to get enough of this mineral, but it is especially critical in our golden years.
WHY DOES MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY OCCUR IN SENIORS?
There is no denying the changes that occur with ageing. But how we look is not the problem – it's the fact that we move less. As a result, we eat and drink less, but our requirement for minerals remains unchanged. This increases the risk of a deficiency, which is exacerbated by age-related metabolic changes and changes in kidney function.
In addition, certain drugs, such as high blood pressure medications or gastric acid blockers for heartburn, can lead to impaired magnesium absorption or have a dehydrating effect. As a result, we lose fluids and other important minerals along with them, including magnesium. This can make it difficult to reverse a magnesium deficiency through diet. Seniors tend to avoid magnesium-rich foods like pulses because they can be harder to digest.
A low magnesium intake can also lead to constipation. Drinking more water is often very helpful against constipation. This causes fibre-rich foods to expand in volume, which stimulates the intestine to move them further along.
HOW CAN SENIORS GET ENOUGH MAGNESIUM?
A magnesium deficiency can have long-term effects on our health. For this reason, we should ensure that we are getting enough magnesium from the food we eat every day. If we are unable to meet our requirements by eating a balanced diet, products containing organic magnesium citrate can help – such as Magnesium-Diasporal® 400 EXTRA, available in pharmacies. The granulated drink mix contains pure magnesium citrate, which is easily absorbed and fast acting.
Magnesium-Diasporal® 400 EXTRA granulated drink mix also provides the body with extra fluid which can help with hydration, given that the sensation of thirst decreases with age.
