Senior to Senior: Early Dining

We are doing everything we can to keep from becoming “one of them.” You know, those who watch game shows and hit up restaurants for early bird specials. That said, older people do get up earlier, dine earlier, and go to bed earlier. It happens rather insidiously, as does a dozen other things that scream old age. It begins quite innocently, but mostly I think, is related to our sleep or lack of sleep cycle. Many of us are worn out by 7-8 in the evening and we are in bed before late hours and the 10 o’clock news. On the other hand, gasp, we tend to wake up as soon as the sun peeps through the bedroom blinds. Face it. When someone invites you to dinner or a holiday gala that doesn’t even start until 7-8 p.m. you go into a panic. How can you possibly wait that long for dinner. Seniors prefer earlier dining because it means they can make their excuses and head back home at a reasonable hour. It may interest you to know that shifting into an early dining mode is not as dire as you thought. Researchers and Fitness Experts have finally caught up to the likes of us. They are now saying that early mealtimes are good for you. Wow. Our ancestors knew this all along, but as you know, nobody listened to them. Eating late dinners (forget the 7-8 pm dinners that are the norm in books and movies) are associated with weight gain and high blood sugar readings. Well seniors don’t need that. Listening to your body is a good thing, Following the flow of your circadian rhythms results in better digestion, optimal metabolism, and improved sleep quality. Early dining also contributes to better heart health, by reducing the consumption of heavy fatty foods before sleep and improving blood sugar management. Heavy nighttime meals predispose us to health problems such as obesity, heart disease and blood sugar fluctuations. So, go ahead and make your excuses. Enjoy your early bird specials. It’s not only good for your health but it is just the right thing to do.