Our primary focus at VegHead is helping people eat in a more mindful way. In particular we want to help people our own age, a group that is under represented in the vegan ranks. Who better to connect with and relate to but those of the same vintage. I don’t consider myself a senior yet, but at 54 I’m just shy of discounts at the local drug store. As “older” vegans we try to lead by example and encourage others to make the switch to a plant based diet.
If not for the environment…
In a recent survey, over 50% of Canadians 18-24 planned to eat more plant based foods in the coming year as compared to half that in the 55+ age group. This got me wondering why there is such a difference in attitudes between the age groups.
For young adults it is the environmental impact of animal agriculture, amplified by wide spread media coverage that motivates them. With older people the environmental message clearly doesn’t resonate in the same way. Is this because our futures are likely shorter than theirs? Are we just too set in our ways? Have we learned to disassociate packaged meat from a living breathing animal?
I remember as a post punk 80’s kid we complained about the nuclear proliferation of our parent’s generation. Millennials and Gen Z will be right to hold us responsible for the environmental predicament that they find themselves in. If Gen Xers and Boomers want to leave a positive legacy now is the time to act. Frankly seniors should be leading by example when it comes to a plant based diet.
A plant based diet for your health
The health benefits of a plant based diet are supported by plenty of reputable research. Science indicates that a plant based diet low in processed foods and high in whole foods reduces your chances of contracting:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- Dementia
- Cancer
Even reducing your intake of animal products can lower your risk. I think that when you weigh all the facts you’ll realize that cutting back on meat and dairy is the right move. Do it for yourself and your family so that you might enjoy your golden years rather than spending them in the hospital.
Read more about the benefits of a plant based diet for your health:
- MD Anderson Cancer Center – 5 benefits of a plant based diet
- Harvard Health – What is a plant based diet and why should you try it?
- Health Line – Whole foods plant based diet: A detailed beginner’s guide
- Medical News Today – Everything you need to know about plant based diets.
- Heart.org – How does Plant Forward (Plant Based) eating Benefit your health.
A little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing
Healthy eating is a sliding scale and everyone fits on it somewhere. The further along towards the veggie end of the scale you get, the healthier you will be, the healthier the planet will be and the happier the animals will be. That’s a win, win, win!
If you’ve read this far join us for our Vegan for a Day challenge.
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