What Are the Benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oils for the Elderly?

Omega-3 fish oil can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and is available in a pill supplement. There are many benefits to taking fish oil that can improve the health of just about everyone, but there are some pluses that can help the elderly in particular.

Macular Degeneration

• Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a disease in which the macula (a spot in the center of the retina responsible for central vision) deteriorates. Central vision is necessary for activities like reading or driving. Consumption of fish oil twice a week can prevent both types of this disease ("wet" and "dry") by altering fat levels that can damage the body.

Memory Loss

• The omega-3 in fish oil can replace properties that prevent cell inflammation, which in turn helps to maintain cognitive ability. It is also been proved that omega-3 stems the growth of chemicals that cause the inflammation in the first place and these effects combined actually increases the ability of a person to maintain memory as they age. Fish oil can even reduced the risk of mental diseases like Alzheimer's.

Joints

• Omega-3 has the ability to restore joints and reduce the effects of arthritis. In studies using fish oil supplements, patients have experienced a reduction in pain, tender joints, and morning stiffness.

Cancer Risk

• Taking fish oil may help lower the risk of all forms of cancer. This is because omega-3 can stop the development of cancerous cells by inhibiting their growth and can even cause death of cancer cells.

Heart Disease

• The fatty acids in fish oil can actually lower a person's bad cholesterol and blood pressure, and can increase the good cholesterol. The fatty acids also take care of a person's heart, arteries and veins by reducing fatty deposits.