Is Collagen Good for Seniors? We’ve Got the Answer!

“Some randomized controlled trials have found that collagen supplements improve skin elasticity. Other trials have found that the supplements can improve joint mobility and decrease joint pain such as with osteoarthritis or in athletes.”

Harvard School of Public Health

Are you curious if collagen is good for seniors? You’re not alone! In recent years, collagen supplements have become increasingly popular, with people of all ages touting their benefits.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about collagen and whether it’s right for you. Spoiler alert: the answer is yes – collagen can definitely be beneficial for seniors! Read on to learn more.

What Role Does Collagen Play in Our Bodies?

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Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in our bodies, and it plays a vital role in keeping our skin healthy and hydrated.

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to dryness, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity.

Moreover, collagen also plays important roles inside our bodies, going far beyond just skin health. From preserving aging joints to aiding in bone density retention, supporting blood vessels and connective tissue, and even helping to heal the gut, this protein does it all!

So, how exactly does collagen work its magic? Let’s take a closer look.

How Does Collagen Work?

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. This decrease in collagen production can lead to a number of age-related issues, including wrinkles, dryness, and a loss of elasticity.

Fortunately, collagen supplements can help to offset this decline in collagen production. By supplying our bodies with additional collagen, we can help to keep our skin healthy and hydrated, as well as support other important functions like skin health, joint health, and gut health.

Indicators Collagen Production is Decreasing

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There are a few ways that we can tell that our collagen production is decreasing. And while most people are just looking at their skin to tell them their collagen peptide levels, there are actually many other indicators that can also point to a decline.

Joint Pain

Collagen plays an important role in preserving aging joints, and as such increased joint pain can signal a decrease in collagen production.

Gut Issues

Collagen is also responsible for aiding in the healing of the gut. So, if you’re experiencing gut issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leaky gut, or other digestive problems, it may be a sign that you need to up your collagen intake.

Bone Density Loss

As we age, our bones can start to weaken and lose density. There is, however, also a link between collagen and bone density. Collagen helps to support blood vessels and connective tissue, both of which are important for maintaining bone health.

Wrinkles and Dry Skin

One of the most visible signs of decreased collagen production is wrinkles and dry skin. So, if you’re noticing more wrinkles or your skin is feeling drier than usual, it could be a sign that you need to start taking a collagen supplement.

How Seniors can Increase their Collagen Intake

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There are a number of simple and effective ways to increase your collagen intake, and the best part is that many of them can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

Bone Broth

Another option for increasing collagen intake is bone broth. Bone broth is rich in collagen and other nutrients that are important for seniors, like calcium and magnesium. Plus, it’s easy to make at home or find at your local grocery store.

Healthy Diet

Of course, no supplement or bone broth can completely make up for a poor diet. So, it’s important to make sure that you’re eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect your skin from damage. And protein is important for maintaining muscle mass, which can help to keep your skin looking toned and youthful.

Regular Movement

Exercise, even light exercise, can help to increase collagen production. Exercise helps to improve blood circulation and encourages the body to produce more collagen. So, even if you’re not looking to break a sweat, regular movement can still be very beneficial.

It is important to note, that depending on your mobility limitations and health conditions, you should check with health professionals before starting any new exercise regimen.

Good Night’s Rest

Lastly, getting a good night’s sleep is important for seniors. Sleep helps the body to repair and regenerate cells, including collagen-producing cells. So, make sure that you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

What Seniors Should Avoid if Battling Collagen Loss

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Along with the handful of things that can be done to improve your body’s ability to produce collagen, there are also things that should be avoided in order to negate any further collagen loss.

Smoking

As we all know, smoking is bad for our health. But, did you know that it’s also one of the worst things that you can do for your skin? Smoking accelerates the aging process and decreases collagen production. So, if you are a smoker, now is the time to quit.

Excessive Sun Exposure

While a little bit of sun is good for us, too much sun exposure can be damaging to our skin. The UV rays from the sun can cause collagen fibers to break down, which leads to wrinkles and dry skin. So, be sure to limit your time in the sun and always wear sunscreen when you are outdoors.

Poor Diet

As we mentioned before, a healthy diet is important for seniors. But, a poor diet can also lead to collagen loss. A diet that is high in sugar and processed foods can actually damage collagen fibers and lead to inflammation. So, be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. Also don’t forget the bone broth, which is packed with collagen peptides.

High-Stress Levels

Stress can also cause collagen loss. When we are stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, which can break down collagen fibers. So, it’s important to find ways to manage stress levels. Hopefully, at this point in one’s life, seniors have been able to significantly reduce their stress levels!

Collagen Supplements

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While these are all great ways that seniors can easily increase their collagen production, the most effective way is through supplementation.

There are a few different types of collagen supplements on the market, but the most popular and effective type is hydrolyzed collagen peptides.

Collagen hydrolysate or collagen peptides is an easily absorbed option as it is a collage that has been broken down into more easily dissolvable amino acids. This type of supplement is easily absorbed by the body and can help to increase collagen production quickly.

Many seniors are finding collagen supplementation beneficial as they can struggle to eat enough of the nutrient-dense foods required for the increase of collagen or may not be able to exercise due to various health issues.

And with the variety of options now available on the market, an oral collagen supplement is as easy as choosing whichever form of collagen supplement best fits your lifestyle. From collagen powder to liquids or capsules, there’s an option for everyone.

The added bonus of upping your collagen intake is that it can cause a ripple effect. As your body enjoys the additional collagen, it begins to heal other areas that may be struggling, such as gut health, hair, skin and nails, and even joint pain.

Additionally, collagen supplements have been shown to improve sleep quality – another important factor in the fight against aging!

The Bottom Line

So there you have it! Is collagen good for seniors? YES! It is great for seniors.

While we can’t stop the aging process, we can help our bodies to age gracefully by taking care of ourselves and utilizing a collagen supplement.

Not only will increasing your collagen intake help to improve your overall health, but it will also help you to look and feel younger.

We hope this article shed some light on the subject and helped answer any questions, however, if you are interested in learning more about collagen check out our health blog and collagen product page.

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