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Encouraging an Elderly Parent to Eat Healthy Meals and Snacks

Elder Care in Lighthouse Point FL: Proper nutrition becomes even more important as our parents age due to their deteriorating strength and metabolism.

Elder Care in Lighthouse Point FL

Proper nutrition becomes even more important as our parents age due to their deteriorating strength and metabolism. Even their bones will become more fragile as they get older. While the older adult may be unable to control their physical health, they can improve it by eating healthy meals and snacks.This is a task that can be difficult for many older adults, so here are some things that can be done in order to point your parent in the right direction for a healthier meal plan and body.

  • Investigate the situation. Have you noticed that the elder is not eating as much as they should? Or are opting for packaged meals and snacks instead of healthy ones? Try to uncover the reason why your loved one is doing this by talking to them. Once you have discovered their reason for a lack of appetite or unhealthy eating habits, discuss with the elder different ways the situation could be improved. Allow them to also chime in with any thoughts or ideas they have.
  • Eat more protein. Protein should be a staple in the elder’s diet because this nutrient can decrease their muscle loss and weakness. Each senior may have different protein needs, so talk to their doctor about how much they should be consuming each day. Peanut butter, cheese, yogurt, and tuna are all easy options to make sure the elder is getting enough protein in their diet.
  • Prepare fruits and vegetables. Your loved one may not be eating enough fruits and veggies because of the time it takes to prepare them and make them ready to eat. Lessen the amount of work the elder has to do by preparing it for them. If chewing hard vegetables is too difficult for your loved one, microwaveable steam bags can be purchased in order to easily soften these foods. You can also encourage the senior to eat more fruit by making them smoothies.
  • Eat with a companion. One reason some seniors do not eat a healthy diet is because they do not want to spend the time preparing a healthy meal when they are the only ones who will eat it. You can help by eating with them at least once a week. If you or other family members are unable to have weekly meals with the elder, an elder care provider can be hired to help. This person can eat meals with them, while also helping prepare the food and assist with any other chores the elder can’t do anymore.

 

Talk to your loved one’s doctor for more tips on getting them to include more healthy foods into their diet.

If you or a family member are in need of elder care in Lighthouse Point, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.

 

Source:  http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/nutrition-world-1/help-senior-eat-healthy

Stephen Sternbach

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