Page 104 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

NUTRITION AND CARE TIPS

FOR AGING GRACEFULLY

Dr. Joe Wolcott is a Certified Wound Specialist Physician with over 10 years of wound care
experience. The Southwest Regional Wound Care Center bridges the gap between medicine and
science to utilize the most effective and innovative wound treatments.

Healthy Skin & Nails After 60: • Best sources: Salmon, sardines, Topical Care: Protecting the
walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. Outside
As we age, changes in our skin and
nails are often some of the most 3. Vitamin C In addition to good nutrition, how
visible signs of time passage. You you care for your skin and nails
might notice that your skin feels Crucial for collagen production, externally is just as important —
thinner or more fragile, or that your which helps skin stay firm and especially as they become more
nails break more easily than they resilient. It also supports nail delicate with age.
used to. The good news? With the growth.
right nutrition and care, you can • Best sources: Oranges, Gentle Cleansing
support healthy skin and strong strawberries, bell peppers, and
nails well into your golden years. • Use fragrance-free, non-soap
broccoli. cleansers to avoid stripping your
Nutrition: Feed Your Skin and 4. Biotin (Vitamin B7) skin of natural oils.
Nails from the Inside Out • Avoid long, hot showers that dry
Biotin is often linked to stronger
Your diet plays a major role nails and healthier skin. It may help the skin. Use lukewarm water and
in maintaining skin elasticity, reduce nail brittleness, especially in pat skin dry gently.
hydration, and nail strength. Here older adults.
are some of the most important Daily Moisturizing
nutrients to include: • Best sources: Eggs, almonds, • Apply moisturizer immediately
sweet potatoes, and spinach.
1. Protein after bathing to lock in hydration.
5. Zinc Look for products with:
Skin and nails are made of keratin,
a type of protein. Seniors often eat Zinc supports skin healing and ◦ Ceramides to restore skin barrier
less protein than they need, which can prevent nail discoloration or ◦ Glycerin or hyaluronic acid to
can lead to thinning skin and brittle thinning. retain moisture
nails. • Best sources: Meat, shellfish,

• Best sources: Lean meats, eggs, pumpkin seeds, and lentils. ◦ Urea or lactic acid for thick,
dry skin on heels or elbows
dairy, beans, tofu, and nuts. 6. Hydration
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Dehydration can lead to dry, flaky Nail Care Tips

These healthy fats help keep your skin and fragile nails. Seniors often • Keep nails trimmed and filed to
avoid breakage.
skin moisturized and may reduce experience a decreased sense of
inflammation that can lead to skin thirst, so it’s important to drink • Moisturize cuticles with a rich
irritation. water regularly — even if you don’t hand cream or cuticle oil.
feel thirsty.

104 Lubbock Senior Link