Eating fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of frailty as you age

Veggies and fruits are loaded with flavanolsPhoto byJacopo MaiaonUnsplash

Vegetables and fruits may prevent becoming frail

When my grandmother died in 2010 at age 92 she weighed over 200lbs and never had problems with fractures. Her sister who passed away 3 years later at 93 had lost weight over the years, shrunk a few inches in height, had a shoulder that came out of the socket a few times, and also experienced several falls. My great aunt by definition would have been considered frail. New studies are indicating that frailty may possibly be prevented based on diet

Frailty is considered a geriatric syndrome that includes symptoms such as unintentional weight loss, decreased strength, decreased energy and fatigue, slower walking speed, decreased mobility, and decreased physical activity.

Vegetables and fruits contain flavanols which my prevent frailty.Photo byShelley PaulsonUnsplash

Flavanols are the key

Statistics reveal that about 10% to 15% of older adults experience frailty as they are aging and the website Health. says eating fruits and vegetables that contain flavonols can lower the risk of developing frailty as you age. The study also suggests that consuming just 10 mg of flavonols may decrease the risk of frailty by 20%. I don't know what my great aunt's diet was in her later years but my grandmother sent me to the Roanoke City Market each week for vegetables and fruits when she was not able to go herself right up to a week before she passed away.

“Frailty’s prevalence varies depending on the definition and measurement used and it is important to note that frailty can also occur in younger adults with certain underlying health conditions,” Jessica Hulsey, RD, LD, told Health. “Diagnosis of frailty occurs when an individual displays three of the qualifying symptoms.”

Virginia has many Farmers MarketsPhoto byShelley PaulsonUnsplash

Eating Healthy in Virginia

A former neighbor of ours who remained in Botetourt County was Ms. Margaret Fluke who passed away last year at 104. She was still driving herself to Church on Sundays at 102 and from what I have been told Ms. Margaret continued to eat from her garden for many years there were also fruit trees in the area where the children ate when I was growing up which suggests the study relating to fruits and vegetables may be accurate.

in Virginia, if you don't have produce from your own garden there are farmers' markets throughout the state and programs where food trucks deliver fresh produce to those who need it. For a list of the flavonoid content in fruits and veggies please use this link.