Protein Is Essential for Healthy Aging

How much protein do you really need?

Protein isn't just for athletes, it's essential for healthy aging.

As we get older, protein becomes even more important for maintaining muscle strength, supporting our immune system, keeping bones healthy, and helping our bodies heal after illness, injury, or surgery.

Experts recommend that those who are 65 and older consume more protein than the recommended amount for younger adults. The good news is that meeting your daily protein needs doesn't have to be complicated.

Here are a few simple tips:

• Talk with your doctor about how much protein you should be eating for your age and health condition.
• Include protein at every meal instead of eating most of it at dinner.
• Choose a variety of protein sources, including lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and soy.
• Snack smart with low-fat protein, like yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, or hummus.
• Pair protein with regular physical activity to help maintain muscle strength and independence.

Small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on your health and well-being.

​At Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey, we're committed to helping people stay healthy, strong, and independent at every stage of life.

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Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is a leading provider of comprehensive home health care and hospice services in Morris, Hunterdon, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, and Somerset Counties in Northern New Jersey. Established in 1898, generations have known that just one call to VNA opens the door to quality, patient-centered home health care solutions that allow patients to remain in the comfort of their homes with dignity, health, and independence.

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Did you know that Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey (VNANNJ) is the longest-serving VNA in the state of New Jersey? So we know a thing or two about healthy aging and how to successfully “age in place” while avoiding hospitalization and nursing homes. We suggest that you learn more about our home health care services and make a plan to age at home before you have a health emergency.

​Medicare and supplemental insurance often do not cover all the care our patients and caregivers need. If you would like to help, please visit vnannj.org/donate or call VNA Foundation at 973-451-4148.

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